How To Recover Ransomware Encrypted Files

Author: Published: September 9, 2022 0 comments

Hi folks, I am back with another edition on Ransomware attacks that is not a ‘buzzword’ anymore but a ‘real threat’ to the internet world. It creates encrypted files, and attackers sometimes ask for a hefty ransom to release the decrypted files. RaaS or Ransomware-as-a-Service has emerged in the online scenario. Ransom has emerged as the key factor since organizations have paid almost $1.85 million to hackers. Another data shows that the remedies followed by the organization have led this figure to come down to $1.4 million by 2022. I have prepared today’s guide to help you get details on how to recover Ransomware encrypted files.

Insight Into Ransomware Encrypted Files Recovery

Ransomware is everywhere as we seek cybercrime cases on increased ratio everywhere. I feel the IoT devices we are using can also become a victim of this nasty attack. That is the reason I use antivirus as my last resort. Coming onto the attacks happening in the USA, the cybercrime valuation is predicted to increase by 15% yearly. Ransomware is predicted to rise to $10.5 trillion by the year 2025. A massive figure, I must say!

Victims drive my attention towards these attacks. They are always searching for the answer to how to recover encrypted files from Ransomware. Hostile nations are always initiating attacks on other developed nations. It affects not only one or two organizations but the economy as a whole. Major working operations need to shut down because of an organization’s financial crunch after paying a huge ransom. An organization can be a randomly selected target, but one phishing email can jeopardize the whole corporate security network (#irony).

But, let me give you a guide on how to recover Ransomware infected files. Alternative solutions always work when it comes to recovering the decrypted files.

Restore The Files From The Backup

Organizations always carry out data backup, making system restoration easy. Most importantly, the data that the organization is restoring must be recent and not the one infected by the Ransomware. If possible, the Ransomware-infected device must be quarantined and disconnected from the network. Before restoration, ensure that your cybersecurity team sets the system to factory default to eliminate the encrypted files and remove Ransomware infection entirely. Quickly I will provide you with the steps to restore the data from the backup.

Step 1: Turn on the File History option. Now, Click on Start to run the program.

Step 2: Go to File Settings

Step 3: Click on update and security options

Step 4: Now, click on backup. You must take the backup using the File History.

Step 5: After this, click on more options.

Step 6: Click on the Restore Files option from the current backup file at the bottom of the file settings.

Step 7: The next step will show you a Window Popup. You can enter the name of the file you want to recover.

Step 8: Users can choose from different file versions that Windows provide.

Step 9: Click on the restore button after these steps.

Note: The safest way is to recover the files from the backup done on the cloud storage by the organization. It will help you to get access to the files from the internet.

Using The Data Recovery Software.

Cybercriminals create encrypted files by deleting the original files and making copies. With the help of these encrypted files, hackers carry out Ransomware attacks. You must use good, licensed, and certified data recovery software to recover the deleted source files. A licensed data recovery software can easily recover crypto-Ransomware infected files. It will save you from malicious malware attacks.

Windows System Restoration

System restore helps in recovering the infected Ransomware files of the organization. The system restoration may be different for each type of operating system. If you are working on Windows 10, the system restoration steps are as follows:

Step1: Start the system

Step 2: Now, click on update and security. After this, tap on the recovery button.

Step 3: Click on the “advance startup” on your system.

Step 4: Click the “troubleshoot,” then the advanced option, and system restore.

Step 5: Click on Next.

Step 6: After this step, choose the system point that will help recover the Ransomware encrypted files.

Step 7: Now, click Next and let the system restore the finish.

Restore The Data From The Previous Version Of Files

The users can restore the data from the previous versions of the files too on the Windows Operating System. The target file must be included during the restoration process while backing up from the File History. Here are the steps to restore files from the previous versions.

Step 1: Locate the directory of the file storage. Right-click on the file, and then select the properties.

Step 2: Click on the tab of the previous versions after the Properties window opens.

Step 3: Now, the list of file screenshots will appear. After this, select the snapshot that represents the last known version of your files.

Step 4: Click on View to find the right version of the file you want to restore.

Step 5: You can view the file and click on Save As to save it. A copy of the original file can be created to be saved in the same directory. The Restore button will save the recovered file and replace the current file present on the system.

The restoration process in Windows will overwrite the current file. You can always copy the files if you want the recovered and original files in the same directory. Older files will overwrite the data present in the current copy.

Use Of Decryption Tools

Versatile decryption tools are available for the type of Ransomware with which your system is infected. These third-party tools decrypt and break the encryption caused by Ransomware. Many experts working on Ransomware attacks have devised these tools that use different algorithms and file sources to detect the type of Ransomware.

Quick Heal provides a Free Ransomware Decryption Tool that works great for detecting and deleting Ransomware like Apocalypse, Ninja Ransomware, and many more. After downloading this decryption tool, follow the instructions provided on the screen. Now, you can start decrypting the Ransomware encrypted files. Lock the files completely so the Ransomware does not infect the system again. Never leave your computer vulnerable as it is necessary to install the security software. It is essential to invest in a good malware detector.

You can also go ahead with Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection security software that is committed to stopping Ransomware attacks. The days of fileless Ransomware attack has come, so the security of your organization’s network must be multi-layered. This is what Comodo Advanced helps you with.

These are a few ways how to recover files from Ransomware. Cybersecurity experts devise many more ways for the same. It is a must to take the advice of your cybersecurity team whenever an attack like this happens.

And, yeah! Did I forget about the recent Ransomware attack on the ‘elephant in the room’? We cannot escape without discussing the same. The corporate tech giant Cisco suffered a ‘Yanluowang Ransomware’ attack in August 2022. The hackers could only access the Box Folder on the system of the hacked employee’s account. However, the files collected were published on the Dark Web. The Company stated that the material was non-sensitive, but their experts are working on the source of the breach. The attackers successfully tricked the employee into opening the multi-factor layer VPN for them. It led to the intrusion into Cisco’s network. The work is still on by the security engineers to safeguard their whole community.

Can User Recover The Ransomware Infected Files?

Can Ransomware encrypted files be recovered? As a malware detection enthusiast, I have mostly encountered this question on Reddit or Quora platforms. I am always looking for ways to curate detailed guides on how to help people safeguard themselves from Ransomware attacks. The answer to this question is ‘YES’.

Even if you ask me, can an encrypted file be recovered? I will always say YES to this question too. You must be wondering how I am so confident about that. Well, the cyber experts are now one step ahead of the attackers. They are devising decryption tools for detecting Ransomware in your computer or mobile device. Experts are issuing warnings on malicious or phishing emails that look too good to be true. The employees are trained to handle these cyber attack activities by not opening emails that do not seem to collab with the Company’s work.

Moreover, multi-factor authentication is proving beneficial. Cyber insurance against Ransomware attacks is helping companies big time. You can now decrypt as well as recover the encrypted files by using the following ways:

  • Restore the files from the backup you have done on the cloud storage system
  • Windows System Restore can help you to recover the data. The new OS systems have tools that help create backups and restore the files from the target files.
  • The availability of many data recovery software and online tools is helping organizational users restore the file data.
  • Using third-party advanced decryption tools can also help restore the files after the Ransomware attack. Use only those decryption tools that can extract deleted original files. Please beware of the fake decryption tools, as they can fill up your system with additional malware.

Businesses can easily retrieve encrypted files if the organization has a strong cybersecurity team and uses certified software or tools for decryption. You cannot do away with Cloud Storage nowadays. It is necessary to use applications like VERITAS, Rubrik, and Commvault for synchronizing and sharing data over the protected network. Organizational users can also use client systems to store their important files directly. These are a few important ways to help you safeguard your confidential files and recover them after a Ransomware attack.

Can Ransomware Exploited Data Be Recovered?

Let me tell you the biggest reality, which may come as a ‘Ransomware reality shock.’ 92% of people who pay the ransom to cyber criminals do not get their data back. It is the biggest irony. The reason is that such attacks are never made to return the organization’s original files. It happened with one of the biggest brands, Apple, where they paid the ransom for Quanta Computer. The Company is the design manufacturer for the Apple brand and was caught up in the $50 million Ransomware. Only 8% of the companies have reportedly got their data back.

It shows how Ransomware can interrupt organizational life. The true cost to the companies is quite deep as most brands have to shut down their operations. Most companies weren’t able to trace the Ransomware attackers in their systems. It caused double extortion as the fee nearly doubled for these companies. One question may come to your mind after reading this can Ransomware data be recovered? Yes, we can recover the data. Companies need to have the right strategies in hand. Talking about data recovery after the Ransomware attack, here are a few ways:

  • Disinfect and quarantine the machine infected by the Ransomware attack from the network. Make sure to call the organization’s cybersecurity team to recover the data that has been affected by the backup files.
  • Never practice DIY attempts to recover the infected Ransomware data. It can make future attempts impossible to collect information on Ransomware attacks.
  • Contact the data recovery experts working in your organization. They are well-versed with the data recovery software to recover lost data due to the Ransomware attack. These teams have experience retrieving all types of data from the organization’s computer system.
  • The FBI states that the companies should not pay the ransom as it can encourage the attackers to carry out more Ransomware attacks. You can appoint your cyber security team or alert the experts to find the original data on your system. Paying the ransom for these malware attacks never guarantees you will get your money back.
  • Back up your files in the Cloud Storage. It is the safest place from where you can retrieve the files at any moment. Always keep your computer and network updated. It is important to enable the popup blockers.

With a cautious mindset, the employees of an organization can safeguard confidential data from getting under attack by cybercriminals. Using third-party software and antivirus can always block malicious content and files. Always have a multi-factor user authentication system that will help secure the data and help in averting the Ransomware attack.

Decrypting The Ransomware Infected Files

Can Ransomware encrypted files be decrypted? Advance encrypted algorithms are made to block confidential online data. It has become a key for modern Ransomware attacks. Encrypted Ransomware like locker Ransomware and crypto locker Ransomware attacks are done using these advanced algorithms. However, you can reverse this malicious attack and decrypt infected files in the following ways:

  • Use of Online Decryption Tools: You can decrypt files using online tools. Identify which Ransomware has affected your network, and choose the decrypting tool accordingly. You can always head to sites like McAfee, Kaspersky, Quick Heal, etc., to get the list of the decryption tools for encrypting the files.
  • Check the Source of Infected Files: Companies must check where the cryptoworms got into their system. The source of infected files must be located to curb the data breach problem. It will help isolate the device, and you can remove any external storage device. A first identified source of a Ransomware attack will help to know what kind of malware it was.
  • Report the Ransomware Attack: t is necessary to report the matter to law enforcement agencies to get your encrypted files back. They do not encourage providing the ransom because attackers do not guarantee to get your ransom back. By reporting the attack, you are making it easy for the agencies to find cybercriminals.
  • Backup the System Files: The backup files help to get your original files back. Keep your system updated to secure the information from getting leaked. It won’t stop any malware attack, but the damage caused by it will be less comparable.
  • Identify The Point Of Virus: Roll back to the source files that are the virus’s point. Organizations must use the virus scanner to remove any malware from the computer. It is necessary to replace the encrypted files from the system. If there is no backup of your files, the experts need to decrypt them after removing the Ransomware.

These are a few ways through which the data can be decrypted on your computer device, whether a Windows or Mac operating system. When it comes to digital security, you need to be quite vigilant. A proactive approach is required when dealing with online security. Proper action from the organization’s side can only save the companies from paying a hefty ransom.

How Does Ransomware Get Into Computer’s System?

I was reading a Reddit and a Quora most asked question how does Ransomware get into your system? It’s quite simple the victim’s system becomes vulnerable, and the attackers attack it using phishing email. The malicious attachments and the ad blockers are also the driving force behind these attacks.

Crypto Ransomware is the most dangerous type of Ransomware variant that spreads largely through the web-based instant messaging system. Many new methods of Ransomware attacks are also emerging nowadays. It leads the attackers to get into an organization’s multi-layer protection easily.

There are a few more ways through which Ransomware gets into your network:

  • As I always said, the spam email attachment looks too good to be true, causing the blunder.
  • Downloading online tools or software also leads to Ransomware attacks. It is caused by social engineering. The cybercriminals carry out fake ads or malvertising to let the users click the malicious content or links. It helps them get into the organization’s system easily.
  • Introducing the software is easier for attackers. The software file is sent to your email in the zip folder. It is embedded as a Microsoft Office document or as an attachment that is useful for the employees. It tricks the employees into downloading and installing it. Here, the game starts, as the Ransomware attackers encrypt your data and make the files inaccessible to the users.

Getting into the Company’s vulnerable system is becoming quite easy for the attackers as the new RaaS has made the work easier for the gangs. The sophisticated software drives the human action that leads to attacks on the Company’s system. Browser plugin vulnerabilities can also lead to attacks like this. Ransomware like REvil, Robinhood, Ryuk, Snake, etc., has caused much destruction and damage to the working scenario of the companies. These were some of the notorious attacks that happened in the past and targeted the VPN system of organizations.

Majorly all these Ransomware attacks are carried out using advanced algorithms. The attackers get phishing kits or fake ad kits from the dark web. It leads to targets losing control of their data as most malware sits together on their computers for months. The credentials spread and led to a big attack on the organizations. These are some of the significant ways through which law enforcement agencies experts have witnessed the attacks. Now, you know how to recover ransomware-infected files. Ransomware is developing and innovating, so it is always advisable to find the source of the attack.