According to Sophos, the average ransom amount has increased to $1.54 million in 2023. Haplessly, the intensity of ransomware attacks is not halting; renowned companies like Microsoft and Accenture have fallen prey to malicious intrusions, some of whom have paid hefty amounts for data recovery. Defend against Malware Ransom threats with our comprehensive guide. Learn prevention, removal, and recovery strategies to safeguard your data. However, every cloud has a silver lining: Companies have the tendency to recover from data theft by following certain practices and procedures.
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What to Do After a Ransomware Attack?
Despite preventive measures in place, firms can fall victim to cyberattacks. The malware can move in the system, encrypting files and stealing data without any interference. To counter the threat, companies opt for different methods, such as regular backups and firewall reinforcement. Try the following methods if your machine gets infected with a malware.
Disconnect the Infected Device
When the machine is malware-infected, you need to disconnect the system from the network. Or, if you are using your own PC or laptop, opt for the shutdown process. This step allows you to save the leftover data and reduce the amount of effort required to retrieve the files. Try to find suspicious activity in your machine.
Identify the Ransomware Type
Discuss with the problem-detector. Inquire about the circumstances prior to the incident, whether it was an email attachment they received or some new downloaded files. Identifying the ransomware type offers valuable information used to identify susceptibilities in the data protection system.
If you succeed in defining the ransomware type, you can comprehend the intrusion parameters as to how the process was managed by the hacker(s). Thereafter, you can decide to pay the ransom or call expert assistance.
Report the Issue
When piloting employee training, explain to the staff about the importance of informing about suspicious activities in time. You can also report the malware ransom attack to the authorities and provide them with the required information.
Don’t Pay the Ransom
Law enforcement officials prohibit individuals against complying with the hackers’ demands as it encourages the cybercriminals to act with more impunity. Also, paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee that the attackers will decrypt the information as vowed.
Identify the Ransomware Impact
View the aftermaths of a malware ransom attack: Check how much data has been corrupted and how many equipment have been infected. And, the most important part, how much time will it take to recover from the present situation? Assess the critical nature of the data and find ways to retrieve it without consenting to the cybercriminals.
Recovery Options for Malware Ransom Attack
Several methods can be adopted for data recovery after an attack. Let’s discuss!
Use Built-in Tools
If you have Windows 10 on your machine, use the Windows System Restore feature to fix the disrupted settings from a recovery point. However, every file cannot be restored from it. Modern ransomware can evade this practice or worse, can disable the System Restore process.
Use Ransomware Decryption Tool
If you know the malware ransom type on your PC or laptop, opt for the decryption tool by security researchers although it is difficult to find one nowadays.
Use Software for Deleted Files
If the malware hasn’t filled the machine with encrypted codes, you still have time to recover data. Scanning the disk surface is a time-consuming task. Moreover, some files are unable to be found even after a thorough check.
Recover Data from Backup
Prepare in advance for a malware ransom attack by creating backups. Store each backup in different places, i.e., on hard disk, cloud storage, USB, and more. Follow the 3-2-1 rule for optimal results. You can also use tape storage for this purpose.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Malware Ransom Attack?
Recovering from a ransomware attack depends on the process being implemented. Try to have a ransomware recovery plan for starters. You can also use a decryption tool to recover data. However, it takes a long time, especially if the file names have not been encrypted. Lastly, backups can reduce the time needed to restore a system.
Do you need an integrated ransomware plan for your PC? We’re here to assist you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1. What is the best practice for ransomware attack recovery?
Ans. Following is a simple process to follow for a quick ransomware attack: Preparation, Prevention, Detection, Assessment, and Recovery.
Q.2. What are the key elements of an effective ransomware plan?
Ans. The major elements include: Find the trigger file(s), determine the style of attack, disconnect devices, understand the process, and restore file systems.
Q.3. What are the three ways to recover from a ransomware attack?
Ans. The three ways to fix a system attacked by ransomware are: Deploy reinforced backups, enforce security measures (antivirus, incident response systems, etc.), and install dedicated backups.
