Recovering from Encrypting Ransomware
What is Ransomware? Ransomware is a type of malicious software that threatens to publish your information or encrypts data, blocking access until a ransom is paid. Your device likely got infected after clicking a malicious link or opening an infected attachment.
Why Ransomware is Popular Cyber criminals favor ransomware because many people are willing to pay to recover their photos and files. Additionally, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, used for payment, are hard to trace.
Encrypting Ransomware Explained Encrypting ransomware is the most common and harmful type. You can browse your device's folders and applications but can't open the files. Often, file names are altered, and there’s a new file or message with a ransom note. If your data is threatened to be published, you might find our Outing guide useful.
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First Steps When Infected Before attempting to remove the ransomware and regain access to your files, follow these steps:
Disconnect Your Device: Unplug from all other devices and the internet to prevent the infection from spreading.
Take a Picture of the Ransom Note: Use a camera or smartphone to photograph the ransom note. This ensures you have a copy for future reference and helps when reporting the crime.
Can You Get Your Data Back? Maybe. There are several methods to try, but there's no guarantee of success. Sometimes, law enforcement and cyber security experts break the code and share the unlock password, but this can take weeks or months.
Should You Pay the Ransom? The FBI does not support paying a ransom in response to a ransomware attack.. Plus, there's no guarantee you'll get the decryption information. However, if you need to recover vital records, paying might seem viable, as many criminals do unlock files after payment. This decision depends on your financial situation and the value of the encrypted data.
Removing Encrypting Ransomware
Identify the Ransomware: Visit nomoreransom.org and use the Crypto Sheriff tool to identify the ransomware type and see if a free unlock key is available.
Recover Deleted Files: Many encrypting ransomware types delete the original files after encrypting copies. You might recover deleted files using an online tool.
Restore from Back-Up: If you have a recent back-up, check that the files aren't encrypted. Fully wipe the drive, reinstall the operating system, and restore files from the back-up.
Contact the Criminals: As a last resort, if you really need your files back, you might negotiate the ransom. Some criminals accept lower payments, but this should be your final option.
Reinstall the Operating System: If you have nothing of value or have given up on recovering files, start over by reinstalling the operating system.
Reporting the Crime If you are a victim of ransomware, you can file a report with the FBI at ic3.gov.
Avoid Future Ransomware Infections
Back-Up Regularly: Use an external hard drive and disconnect after use. Consider using a cloud service with automatic back-ups.
Use Antivirus Software: A good antivirus solution can stop most known ransomware versions.
Update Software Promptly: Enable automatic updates to include security fixes that prevent ransomware.
Be Cautious with Links and Attachments: Legitimate emails can be hacked and used to send malicious messages. Be vigilant about email security.
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