Ransomware is an actual virus to your computer that can freeze the files and then demand money for their release. In this case, if you are the victim you need to act before more damage is done to you or your property.
Following here in this article let us take you through few steps to remove ransomware from your system as well as prevent your system for future attacks.
What Exactly is Ransomware?
Ransomware is an ideology of a virus which renders all files on the target computer system inaccessible through encryption. The attackers then demand payment for money, usually through Cryptocurrency, in exchange for what they pretend to be the decryption key for your files.
Even after you have paid the required ransom, your data may not be restored or returned to you, and more often than not, you become labelled as a target for future attacks.
How Does Ransomware Spread?
Ransomware tends to enter a computer through a link in an email, downloading content from the Internet, or a flash drive. It can also be delivered via an advertisement or the failure of an outdated software program.
This ransomware will begin occupying your computer and locking files so they cannot be accessed. This only means one thing: there is only one option that would encourage you to pay the ransom, or you can pay this malware.
How to Get Rid of Ransomware
If your computer is infected with ransomware, don’t be too quick to press the panic button. Here is the procedure to remove the malware and regain your files—just follow these instructions.
1. Disconnect From the Internet
The first step is to disconnect from the internet on your computer. This will disable communication between the ransomware and its servers or stop the spread of the ransomware.
It is easy: just disconnect your Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi connection from the device that you use. If you are connected to a network drive, shut it down as fast as possible to prevent the other files from being encrypted.
2. Boot Into Safe Mode
Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode that runs only the essential system processes, which can stop the ransomware from running in the background. To boot into Safe Mode:
- Restart your computer.
- As soon as your computer starts up, press the F8 key repeatedly (on some devices, you may need to press Shift + F8 ).
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list of options.
Once in Safe Mode, you’ll be better positioned to remove the ransomware from your system.
3. Use Ransomware Removal Tools
As for ransomware, many programs were created specifically to help you get rid of ransomware on your computer. Some of the most trusted tools include:
- Based on the highlights in the above table, one of the main tools is the Kaspersky Ransomware Decryptor.
- Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
- Emsisoft Decryptor
- Many of these tools are Open-Source and very effective in removing ransomware from your system. However, make sure you download them from the official website to avoid any further complications.
4. Run an Antivirus Scan
After you remove the ransomware using a removal tool, it’s wise to perform a full system scan with antivirus software. A regular antivirus installed in the system can effectively locate and delete not only ransomware but also some other malware that might be present after the attack.
Make sure your anti-virus software is current since new ransomware is constantly emerging.
5. Restore From Backups
If you have backed up your files, the only viable solution is to restore them if you need to retrieve your data. Suppose it is a routine to carry data copy from the computer to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
In that case, the lost files can be retrieved by copying them from the backup. As a result, you will not have to give in to their demands and send the ransom, which, admittedly, you did not steal, but the situation does not seem funny.
However, do not select the backup file as a ransomware file before restoring your files and documents. If you ever need to restore from your backup, you’ll also need to restore the ransomware.
6. Check for Decryption Tools
Indeed, there are types of ransomware that can be decrypted with the help of unique tools presented on the web. Many cybersecurity companies produce policies and antibodies for ransomware, and they provide tools to decrypt files for specific types of ransomware.
- It’s helpful to take advantage of the No More Ransom service, which offers free decryptors for various types of ransomware.
- Kaspersky Ransomware Decryptor also includes free decryptors for different ransomware types.
If your system is affected by the ransomware mentioned in the list, these tools will help you restore your data, and you don’t have to pay the ransom. However, decryption is not always possible; it is particularly difficult when dealing with new strains.
7. Seek Professional Help
If you can, it is only possible to deal with the ransomware or get the files back on your own. It is always recommended to consult with a cybersecurity expert to get advanced ransomware eradication, data recovery from the infected devices, and safeguarding measures to avoid potential future attacks. They also can explain how you can protect your network for the future.
How to Prevent Ransomware in the Future
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some simple ways to protect yourself from ransomware:
- Keep your software updated: Ransomware may lock a PC using outdated software vulnerabilities, so update your OS and applications.
- Use antivirus software: It is vital that you ensure that your antivirus is on and its updates are up to date. A good antivirus software can capture and prevent ransomware from penetrating your computer or any device.
- Back up your data: Always copy videos to another location, an external hard drive, or onto the net storage space. If you become a ransomware victim, your data can be recovered; thus, you do not need to pay the cybercriminals any amount.
- Be cautious with emails: Ransomware is usually spread through phishing emails, which the attacker practices sending to the target’s employees. Do not accept attachments, and do not proceed with links from people you do not know.
- Enable strong passwords: If you are using weak, generic passwords, it is easy for attackers to get into your system. Avoid this.
Conclusion
It becomes very daunting, especially when faced with ransomware, but one must act fast. Turn off your system’s connection to the Internet, use an anti-ransomware program, and recover your files from backups. If you haven’t made a backup, you can try to decode your files and eliminate Ransom77 using free applications or contact a specialist.
More importantly, avoid such incidents reoccurring by updating your system, using valid antivirus, and being careful with emails and downloads.
