In recent years, there has been a marked rise in the number of people falling victim to cyberattacks — most notably, those reporting that their important files have been taken hostage by ransomware. Ransomware, as this malicious software is known, attacks and encrypts the important information on your devices. It then offers to release the data in exchange for a ransom set by the programmer behind the software. Data recovery after this type of attack is, in principle, fairly complex. However, it remains possible thanks to a number of methods and tools!
Ransomware attack: how does it happen?
Ransomware is one of many forms of malicious software that targets files stored on your computer or server. Its purpose is to locate key data and encrypt it. The programmer who writes the software’s code, meanwhile, is interested in payment. As a result, a ransom demand usually accompanies the attack.
Moreover, a ransomware attack is generally aimed at an individual or an organization. It spreads through emails with attachments, websites with booby-trapped downloads, or infected USB drives. It embeds itself in the computer’s or server’s operating system and either blocks access or directly targets specific data.
Once affected, the files and the system undergo encryption that makes them inaccessible to the user, and the infection becomes difficult to remove. Two main forms exist: crypto-ransomware and locker ransomware. Before any data recovery can take place, the ransomware must first be removed.
Recovering encrypted data: to what extent is it possible?
Data recovery after a ransomware attack mainly depends on the method used to remove the program, as well as the type of attack suffered. If you choose to pay the ransom demanded and your data is returned, recovery will be somewhat easier. Otherwise, technical means will be required.
Recovering data after a ransomware attack: how to proceed?
Recovering your corrupted files after a ransomware attack also depends on the precautions taken beforehand. Indeed, there is no guarantee that the data lost during the malicious software’s assault has not been irreversibly damaged. It is therefore essential to have a data recovery system in place that protects you against this type of issue.
Recovering data from the Cloud
The Cloud is one of the best data recovery solutions available after suffering a ransomware attack. It lets you store your sensitive files on a digital storage space. This way, you can retrieve them in the event of loss. The Cloud allows you, among other things, to back up all types of files. You won’t have any trouble storing your large files.
This makes it easier for you to recover your files that were deleted after the ransomware attack. The Cloud also offers the ability to sync all devices present on a network or server. This way, you can recover all your lost files if you switch devices and connect to the server where your documents were backed up.
Data recovery software
You can use the Hexascan software for data recovery after a ransomware attack. It is available online and easy to download. Once it is installed on your storage device, you can start the recovery process, taking care to follow the instructions shown on the home screen. It is a paid tool, but it is the most effective.
Another widely used piece of software for data recovery following a ransomware attack is Recuva. Overall, it is easy to use. It works in much the same way as the previous tool, and you need to choose the folders in which the file search will be carried out.
Another practical, free solution is Disk Drill. It is mainly used on MacOS, although it is now also available on Windows.
Using data recovery software can be quite tricky. Indeed, it is recommended that you have some level of computer knowledge. Otherwise, you risk putting your data at risk and losing it permanently.
Manually restoring your computer
To recover your lost files after a ransomware attack, you can manually restore your computer. Here, you need to restart your computer to access the command prompt. This will give you access to the system’s automatic backup files. All you need to do is select the OS backup file dated before your data was taken hostage.
Now you know how to recover your files after your data has been held hostage by ransomware. At Chronodisk, we also handle the recovery of lost data on all types of media. Feel free to check out our offers on our site and choose the one that best suits your needs !