Recovering from Ransomware
This is a basic overview and not a technical remediation guide. You should seek urgent professional help if you need technical assistance.
Overview
Ransomware attacks have become increasingly common in recent years, causing significant damage to businesses of all sizes. A ransomware attack can leave a company’s sensitive data encrypted and inaccessible, preventing employees from performing their duties and severely impacting the organization's operations. Recovering from such an attack can be challenging, but it is possible with the right approach. In this article, we will discuss how a company can recover from a ransomware attack and why paying a ransom is not a good idea.
First steps
The first step in recovering from a ransomware attack is to isolate the infected system immediately to prevent the malware from spreading to other computers in the network. The infected system should be disconnected from the internet, and all external devices such as USB drives should be removed. In serious cases, it may be necessary to turn off the Wi-Fi, switches, and routers to limit the spread and further damage caused by the ransomware. Disconnecting the infected systems from the network and internet is a critical step in preventing the malware from spreading and causing additional damage.
If possible, a backup of the encrypted data should be created before any attempts are made to remove the ransomware. It is important to note that attempting to remove the ransomware without proper knowledge and expertise can lead to further damage, and it is recommended to seek professional help.
Assess and recover
Once the infected system has been isolated, the organization should assess the damage caused by the ransomware attack. The assessment should determine the extent of the damage, the data affected, and the level of encryption used. This information will help determine the appropriate steps to recover the data and restore the affected systems.
Resetting privileged credentials and administrator passwords is another important step that should not be overlooked. Attackers often target privileged accounts, as they can provide access to sensitive data and critical systems. Resetting these passwords can help limit spread and prevent future attacks and ensure that the systems are secure.
If the company has a backup system in place, restoring the data from the backup can be the most straightforward approach. The backup system should be regularly updated to ensure that the data is current and that the backups are working correctly. It is important to note that the backup data should be stored in a secure location, and the recovery process should be tested regularly to ensure that it works correctly.
Recovering without a viable backup
If the organization does not have a backup system in place, or if the backup data is also encrypted, the organization may have to resort to data recovery. It is also important to note that files encrypted by most ransomware are typically impossible to decrypt without the attacker's assistance. However, the No More Ransom Project is an initiative by the main anti-malware vendors and law enforcement agencies that provides a collection of decryption tools and other resources to help victims of ransomware attacks. It is worth checking their website to see if a decryption tool is available for the specific type of ransomware used in the attack.
It is essential to understand that paying the ransom is not a good idea. Paying the ransom can fund organized crime and may not guarantee the safe return of the encrypted data. In addition, paying the ransom can encourage the attackers to target the organization again in the future. Furthermore, paying the ransom could be a criminal offence, depending on the jurisdiction, and the organization could face legal repercussions.
Finally
Recovering from a ransomware attack requires a combination of technical expertise and a well-defined recovery plan. Isolating the infected system, assessing the damage, and determining the appropriate recovery method are critical steps in the recovery process. Investing in a robust backup system, regular security training for employees, and a comprehensive security plan can help organizations prevent ransomware attacks in the future. Remember, paying the ransom is not a viable solution, and seeking professional help from a reputable data recovery service provider can increase the chances of a successful recovery.