diff --git a/monkey/infection_monkey/ransomware/ransomware_payload.py b/monkey/infection_monkey/ransomware/ransomware_payload.py
index 8993ecab4..b973716a8 100644
--- a/monkey/infection_monkey/ransomware/ransomware_payload.py
+++ b/monkey/infection_monkey/ransomware/ransomware_payload.py
@@ -61,7 +61,8 @@ class RansomwarePayload:
             file_list = self._find_files()
             self._encrypt_files(file_list)
 
-        self._leave_readme()
+        if self._target_dir:
+            self._leave_readme()
 
     def _find_files(self) -> List[Path]:
         LOG.info(f"Collecting files in {self._target_dir}")