Ransomware offenders frequently seek to create a level of trust with the victim to demonstrate they really “care” about their convenience, Finland-based cyber security provider F-Secure said in a report on Wednesday.

The study, emphasizing the paradox of crypto ransomware, called for assessing the “customer experience” of five present crypto ransomware forms, starting with the initial ransom display to socializing with the ransomware offenders behind each of those forms.

On one hand, perpetrators are “the horrible criminal, but on the other hand, they must create a measure of trust with the casualty and be prepared to offer a particular level of service in order to realise the payment in the end”, F Secure said in the report.

As such, crypto-ransomware families frequently run similar to legitimate companies, with accessible web pages, helpful FAQs, “free trials” for file decryption and even customer support routes with receptive agents on the other side.

“We needed to offer another look at this issue of mass offense, but finally to take the opportunity to remind individuals and companies once again of what they are able to do to shield themselves from this risk,” said Sean Sullivan, Security Advisor at Fsecure.

“Software updates, great security software, warning with e-mail, and above all, in case all else fails, back up your items often, before you ever become a casualty,” he added.