So you or someone you know has been infected with ransomware. Your files have been encrypted or your screen has been locked, and you don’t want to spend money to regain access. It’s very understandable.
How can you get rid of ransomware?
Every day, as a data protection organisation, we assist businesses and people in restoring data that has been compromised by ransomware. Getting your data back without removing the source, on the other hand, implies you can encrypt your files again.
This post was written to assist you with regaining access to your data as well as removing the malware that triggered the encryption. Some ransomware removal tools, techniques, and tricks can be found here. Read all the way to the conclusion to understand not only how to remove ransomware virus, but also how to avoid it in the future.
How to Get Rid of Ransomware Depending on the Situation?
To begin the ransomware removal process, you must first determine the form of ransomware you have. If you already know what you’re doing, skip this section and go straight to the how-to-remove-ransomware section.
There are two sorts of ransomware, as the name suggests: blockers and cryptors. They work in different ways, and getting rid of them necessitates different approaches. While some can be removed in a matter of hours, others can take days or even weeks to remove; in extreme circumstances, they cannot be removed at all.
Let’s figure out the form of ransomware you’ve got and how to proceed from there.
Screen Locker Ransomware is a type of ransomware that encrypts (Blockers)
Screen Locker ransomware is a computer, browser, or keyword-blocking virus that demands payment in exchange for access. It commonly appears to be from law enforcement and informs you that your device has been locked due to a breach of the law.
It usually accuses a person of watching pornography or downloading illegally obtained content. They threaten to have you arrested unless you pay a ransom within a specific amount of time. You won’t be able to use your device until the ransom is paid or the infection is removed.
The Locker Ransomware case in point
If it disables your PC, you won’t be able to use the mouse, screen, or keyboard. Only a few features are available, including those that allow you to pay the ransom.
The Locker ransomware attacks Windows users and, in most cases (but not always), does not compromise the underlying system. This is why ransomware of this type is classified as medium-risk.
How do I get rid of the Screen Locker ransomware?
Depending on the ransomware strain, there are a variety of removal tools. If your antivirus application fails to detect or remove a screen locker, we recommend utilising the Kaspersky free removal tool. It is appropriate for Windows users.
You can find all of the procedures for unlocking your device and removing the spyware here.
Ransomware that encrypts data (Encryptors)
The most dangerous sort of ransomware is crypto ransomware. To extort money for decryption, it encrypts files on your PC, mobile device, server, or cloud. In this circumstance, the files are the hostages, and unless you pay a ransom in a timely manner, they will be deleted.
Crypto Ransomware is an example of ransomware.
You will receive a message with the demand and instructions once your device has been infected and your files have been encrypted. Payment is always made in Bitcoin or another difficult/impossible to monitor digital currency.
New ransomware variants can even infiltrate and encrypt your backup, leaving you with no choice but to pay the ransom. This is why ransomware of this type is classified as a high-risk threat.
How do I get rid of Crypto Ransomware?
Whether or not you backed up your files before the encryption determines the actions you must take to remove this sort of ransomware. Additionally, new varieties of ransomware can infiltrate your backup and encrypt it, rendering it unusable.
Removal of ransomware with a backup
You must first ensure that the malware has been eliminated before you begin removing files. It will continue to encrypt data if this is not done.
The steps are the same as with prior ransomware kinds. You must first locate a tool that can remove your specific sort of ransomware, then download it, scan your machine, then remove the malware.
You can use one of these free tools to scan and remove malware from your computer:
- Kaspersky anti-virus software
- McAfee anti-malware technologies are available for free.
- Free malware eradication tools from AVG
You can begin the document recovery process once you are certain that the malware has been removed. You simply need to press a few buttons if you have a backup; the time it takes to restore data is usually determined by the amount of data and the speed of your internet connection.
Removal of ransomware without a backup
The process will take longer if you don’t have a backup.
Step 1: Figure out what kind of ransomware has encrypt your files. These tools will assist you in doing so:
- NoMoreRansomware’s Crypto Sheriff. Simply download the infected file and type the ransomware message’s email, bitcoin, or website address. They’ll look it up in their database to see if there are any matches, and then respond.
- Identify the ransomware. This tool functions similarly to the last one. However, if no matches are found in the system, they will forward your request to their analytics.
Step 2: Remove the virus from the device using the same procedures we used to remove Scareware and Locker ransomware.
Step 3: Locate a decryptor for ransomware. For certain instances of ransomware, there are numerous free decryption keys accessible. After you’ve determined your kind, you’ll need to locate the key that decrypts your files. Here is a list of ransomware decryption tools with a list of keys to pick from:
- Decryption tools for NoMoreRansomware. The ransomware types that have a key are listed alphabetically.
- HowToRemoveGuide is a step-by-step guide on how to remove a guide. Scroll down to view the amount of keys available, along with a brief explanation.
You may also just insert the name of your ransomware plus the word “decrypt” into the search box.
Step 4: Using a key, encrypt your files. This stage is only possible if you have found your key. Don’t expect a speedy response; decryption takes time.
If you haven’t been able to locate a key, you have two options:
Place your data on “hold” while security specialists look for a solution to your ransomware. If you contact security experts through the previously stated websites, there’s a good chance they’ll treat your matter seriously.
The ransom must be paid. You may consider paying the ransom if the encrypted material is critical to you. Unless you’re desperate to get your data back, we don’t recommend doing so. Let’s think about the best approach to go about it.
Tips and Tricks for Paying the Ransom
We, along with other cybersecurity professionals, oppose this concept for a variety of reasons. However, there are situations when you are forced to choose between paying or losing data permanently and paying X times more.
Let’s face it: most businesses aren’t equipped to withstand a ransomware onslaught. They don’t have a regular backup system or ransomware protection in place. This is why, six months after a ransomware assault, about 60% of small-to-medium businesses have gone out of business.
If you don’t have a backup and can’t afford the downtime, or if the encrypted files are worth a lot of money, you might choose to pay to get them back.
If you decide to take a chance and pay the ransom after assessing all the pros and disadvantages, keep the following in mind:
1. You must ensure that hackers are able to decode your files.
Cybercriminals frequently claim to possess the decryption key when, in fact, they do not. In this instance, you may be duped and your data may remain unreachable.
Demand that the hackers decode a small amount of the data, such as a few papers, to see if they can truly decrypt your files. If they reject, it’s a dead giveaway that they can’t decode your data and are simply lying. Don’t be taken in by this ruse.
2. Don’t be scared to haggle over a price.
Although few individuals are aware of this, there is always the possibility of paying less than the requested sum. To do so, contact the perpetrators using the information they left behind (typically an email address) and negotiate a ransom amount.
We advise you to do so for several reasons:
1. In many circumstances, hackers agree to lower the price since receiving something at all is preferable to getting nothing. As a consequence, you save money on your data.
2. There is always the possibility that the crooks will not send you a key or that the key would not function. At the very least, you will lose less money if you negotiate a cheaper price.
3. When criminals observe your willingness to pay the initial fee, they are more likely to demand extra money. By negotiating, you demonstrate that it is unwilling to collaborate with you.
This method may be appropriate for individuals or small organisations. The stakes are substantially higher for enterprise corporations or organisations in the public sector, such as government or healthcare, thus cybercriminals are less likely to cut corners.
In 2021, how can you protect your data against ransomware?
You’ve probably heard that backups are an important aspect of any data loss strategy. Unfortunately, in terms of ransomware concerns, this is no longer an all-encompassing answer. The latest ransomware strains, such as Dharma and Ruyk, are designed to spread over your files in whatever way they can.
Unless you keep your backup copy completely separate from your primary data or use backup solutions with built-in ransomware protection, it is vulnerable to infection in a variety of ways.
Using only one strategy is insufficient in light of the emerging trends. To come closer to maximum security, you’ll need to use a variety of data protection strategies.
Conclusion
These days, ransomware assaults are extremely widespread. However, with the advancement of technology, it has become increasingly difficult to outsmart hackers and cybercriminals.
If the preceding approaches fail to decrypt your essential data, you may always hire an expert to create a custom decrypter key for you. If not, take precautions to avoid being a victim of ransomware.
