Data stored on mobiles and computers worth $682
Kaspersky's research revealed the average ransomware demand is $300


Kaspersky has revealed the cost of restoring data on a device, whether mobile, tablet or computer, following a ransomware attack is $682, despite hackers demanding an average of $300 to release the device's storage.
However, 39 per cent of the respondents Kaspersky questioned said the cost to restore data on their device has actually cost $1000 or more.
At least 40 per cent of those who fall victim to a ransomware attack pay the hackers the ransom demanded, without seeking alternative help first, the research revealed, which demonstrates why attackers are usually so successful in their methods.
Despite these revelations, smartphone and tablet users are still storing important information on their devices such as photos, video, messages, contacts that could not be easily restored if they were lost or held to ransom.
However, the element respondents would miss most if it were to disappear forever would be personal messages, whether SMS, WhatsApp or those sent on other messaging platforms. 27 per cent said they would be most upset if they lost their photos.
"It is interesting that people value their data highly and understand its irretrievability, but do so little to protect it preferring to solve problems as they arrive," Elena Kharchenko, Head of Consumer Product Management, Kaspersky Lab said.
"However, in cases of malicious encryption, even paying a ransom does not guarantee that the data will be returned to the owner. Unfortunately, ransomware is not the only threat jeopardising personal data. For example, data may be lost or stolen together with a device. This all means that careless user behaviour may result in an emotionally upsetting experience as well as considerable financial loss."
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
Kaspersky added that bearing in mind how protective people are of their data, it's surprising more don't adequately secure their devices. Only nine out of ten respondents have installed ransomware protection on Windows machines, while six out of ten have not put measures in place to protect their Macs.

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.
Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.
As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.
-
Acer’s laptop made from oyster shells is now available in the UK
News The Acer Aspire Vero 16 aims to combine performance and sustainability, the company said
-
UK cybersecurity workers are overworked and burning out faster than global counterparts
News Gaps in visibility, poor board communication, and a lack of cyber maturity are leading to high levels of burnout
-
Hackers breached a 158 year old company by guessing an employee password – experts say it’s a ‘pertinent reminder’ of the devastating impact of cyber crime
News A Panorama documentary exposed hackers' techniques and talked to the teams trying to tackle them
-
The ransomware boom shows no signs of letting up – and these groups are causing the most chaos
News Thousands of ransomware cases have already been posted on the dark web this year
-
Everything we know about the Ingram Micro cyber attack so far
News A cyber attack on Ingram Micro severely disrupted operations and has been claimed by the SafePay ransomware group.
-
A prolific ransomware group says it’s shutting down and giving out free decryption keys to victims – but cyber experts warn it's not exactly a 'gesture of goodwill'
News The Hunters International ransomware group is rebranding and switching tactics
-
Swiss government data published following supply chain attack – here’s what we know about the culprits
News Radix, a non-profit organization in the health promotion sector, supplies a number of federal offices, whose data has apparently been accessed.
-
Ransomware victims are getting better at haggling with hackers
News While nearly half of companies paid a ransom to get their data back last year, victims are taking an increasingly hard line with hackers to strike fair deals.
-
LockBit data dump reveals a treasure trove of intel on the notorious hacker group
News An analysis of May's SQL database dump shows how much LockBit was really making
-
‘I take pleasure in thinking I can rid society of at least some of them’: A cyber vigilante is dumping information on notorious ransomware criminals – and security experts say police will be keeping close tabs
News An anonymous whistleblower has released large amounts of data allegedly linked to the ransomware gangs