Step 1: Do not pay the ransom because there is no guarantee that the ransomware creators will give you access to your data. If your network gets infected with ransomware, follow the mitigation steps below and use this list with over 190 ransomware decryption tools. A dangerous form of malware, it encrypts files and holds them hostage in exchange for a payment. Ransomware is one of the most vicious cyber-threats out there right now.