How to recover files encrypted by ransomware

Ransomware  is a type of malware that prevents access to our inforamation. In other words, cybercriminals block access to our files and demand an economic ransom in exchange for restoring access. If we don't comply, they threaten to publicly disclose the encrypted information, wich often includes sensitive data sucha as bank accounts and emails.

Normally, this type of cyberattacks are directed at companies, as they handle large amounts of data for wich a substantial sum of money can be demanded.

Although recovering encrypted information by ransomware is complicated, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be done in certain situations.

Throughout this article, we will enumerate some of the options we have to recover our information in case of ransomware.

How to recover lost information due to ransomware

The essentials

Con los imprescindibles nos referimos al procedimiento que debería seguir cualquier empresa en caso de haber sido ciberatacada por un ransomware. 

When we refer to ‘the essentials,’ we mean the procedure that any company should follow if it has been cyberattacked by ransomware.

Turn to a professional

Cybersecurity professionals are there both to prevent cyber attacks and to respond in case of a cyber attack. In the case of a ransomware cyber attack, they know how to act to:

• Prevent the attack from spreading across all our devices, exaggerating the issue.

• Stop the attack. 

• Recover the lost data.

• Address the cybersecurity gaps that may have led to the entry of malware.

• Create an efficient cybersecurity strategy for the company to prevent future attacks.

Attempting to resolve a cyberattack without the necessary knowledge can end in catastrophe.

Restore your backups

Turning to your backups is the key to recovering lost information without succumbing to the extortion and blackmail of cybercriminals. This is why, as cybersecurity specialists, we emphasize the importance of creating backups, including different formats. This way, in the event of a cyberattack, information recovery will be much easier and faster.

Additional measures

Use a decryption tool

There are tools available to obtain data encrypted by ransomware. Depending on the type of attack and encryption, we can use free tools such as those offered by Kaspersky or Avast. If the free option is not enough, there are much more complete non-free tools available.

Use data recovery tools

Tools such as Recuva, TestDisk, or PhotoRec can help us recover our encrypted or even deleted data. However, it's important to note that they don't always work; it all depends on the type of ransomware cyberattack.

What you should never do

Pay the ransom they demand

Paying to retrieve our information is not advisable. Firstly, because no one guarantees that once the payment is made, we will recover the information. Secondly, because nobody assures that in case of payment, the information will not become public knowledge.

In the case of a ransomware attack, it's essential that you contact a cybersecurity specialist to act quickly and minimize the consequences of the attack.

En ESED, como especialistas en ciberseguridad te ayudamos a hacer frente a un ciberataque de ransomware de forma rápida y efectiva. 

At ESED, as cybersecurity specialists, we help you respond to a ransomware cyberattack quickly and effectively.