Ransomware is a new and growing form of cybercrime that targets businesses and individuals worldwide. Ransomware encrypts files and then holds them hostage until the victim pays the attacker a ransom. In the worst cases, ransomware locks your computer, so you can’t use it. You can’t work, and you can’t access critical files.
In this post, you’ll learn about how data recovery and ransomware work, how you can prevent it from locking your computer, and how to recover files from a locked computer.
So, if you’re worried about ransomware, read on.
Understanding How Ransomware Works
When a malicious program locks your computer, it replaces files with another set of files that all say the same thing: “DECRYPTION INSTRUCTIONS.” To unlock the files, you must pay the attacker.
Most ransomware targets personal computers and company-owned computers (like laptops or desktops) to force victims to pay a ransom. It’s also possible that ransomware targeting commercial companies comes in email attachments. For example, when an organization is hit by ransomware email with an attachment, everyone on that network can be locked out if they don’t respond to the attachment. Even employees who have access to the network can get locked out if they don’t perform some remediation procedure when they receive an attack.
How to Prevent Ransomware from Locking Your Computer
Use Quality Antivirus
Antivirus software is a good first line of defence against viruses and other malware. Ransomware is frequently spread through malicious email attachments, and while antivirus software can detect viruses and other malware, it can’t prevent them from getting inside your computer. Even if you have the best antivirus software available, you may be susceptible to these attacks if you don’t update the virus definitions manually when they are updated.
Double-check the URL
The URL of the site, or any other link you click on, has to be trusted. You shouldn’t just blindly click on any link that looks suspicious. If you are sure that a page is legitimate and a part of the site you intended to access, go ahead. But if you have doubts, research further yourself, as doing so will help guarantee that the websites are legitimate.
Use Regular Malware Scanner
If there is doubt in your mind whether a site indeed belongs to it or not, make sure that it is using legitimate SSL certificates before proceeding further. If the certificate happens to be compromised or fraudulent, it might result in downloading ransomware onto your computer, which can happen very easily while surfing online. Using a regular malware scanner (like Kaspersky Security Scanner) is the best way to find out whether the computer online is infected by ransomware or not.
How to Recover Files from a Locked Computer
Step 1: Unlock the Computer with a Password and Save it
If you happen to be asked for a password to unlock your computer, type the same password you entered on your phone when you registered. In most cases, you will be asked for a specific password different from your original one.
Step 2: Use the File Recovery Tool in Windows
If you are left with only one option after knowing how to recover files from a locked computer, use the built-in Windows tool. It can be found under “recovery tools” and challenges the user for additional confirmation before copying or copying files stored in a specific location of your laptop or desktop.
Step 3: Manually Search and Copy the Files
To find out whether the locked files are accessible or not, we first need to search through the hard drive. File encryption can be done by using a password so that when you try to access them, they will remain invisible. To find out whether a file is accessible or not, right-click on it and select “Properties” to get information about its permissions. If the file is inaccessible due to it being encrypted, you will have no other option than manually copying them from your computer.
Step 4: Scan for Malicious Software and Remove It
Malicious software is another strain of ransomware that can be removed from your PC using an anti-malware tool. It is a software program designed specifically for removing any malware from your computer system, including ransomware. If you need help finding a good one for home computers trying to protect their data from being lost or stolen.
So, Is Data Recovery from Ransomware Possible?
Data loss is one of the biggest challenges an organization faces, especially when the data being lost is sensitive and personal. What seems like a small data loss incident can majorly impact an organization if not handled properly. But the digital world can be a scary place. While it is possible to recover data, it is only possible if the attackers have not initiated the encryption.
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