Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on a device and demands payment in order to decrypt them. Removing ransomware can be challenging, but not impossible. Here are some quick answers to common questions about ransomware removal:
Is it possible to remove ransomware yourself?
Yes, it is possible to remove some ransomware strains yourself using anti-malware tools. However, more advanced strains are very difficult for the average user to remove. Professional intervention is often required.
What makes ransomware difficult to remove?
There are a few key factors that make ransomware removal tricky:
- Advanced encryption – Modern ransomware uses strong encryption algorithms to lock files. This makes it nearly impossible to decrypt files without the key.
- Code obfuscation – Ransomware code is often complex and obfuscated to avoid detection. This makes it hard to analyze and reverse engineer.
- Access denial – Ransomware tries to deny access to anti-malware tools by disabling security services, preventing boot-up in safe mode, etc.
- Fast file encryption – Files are encrypted rapidly, often faster than anti-malware tools can respond and quarantine the malware.
What anti-malware tools can remove ransomware?
Some effective anti-malware programs for ransomware removal include:
- Malwarebytes
- Bitdefender
- Kaspersky TDSSKiller
- Emsisoft
- HitmanPro
Many anti-malware vendors have options specifically designed for ransomware removal. Combining multiple tools often improves chances of eliminating an infection.
What steps should you take to remove ransomware?
Here are the basic steps to try for ransomware removal:
- Disconnect from networks and stop any running processes associated with the infection.
- Boot into safe mode to disable any ransomware defenses.
- Use anti-malware scanners to detect and remove infections.
- Delete any files, folders, registry keys, or processes still linked to the ransomware.
- Restore encrypted files from backups if possible.
- Change all passwords after removing the ransomware.
Can you decrypt your files after removing ransomware?
Unfortunately decrypting files after ransomware removal is often not possible without the encryption key. If the ransomware deletes the original files after encryption, the data is likely lost for good.
However, if the ransomware encrypts files instead of deleting them, it may be possible to decrypt a portion of the files using ransomware decryption tools. But this only works for some ransomware strains where flaws in the encryption have been found.
Should you pay the ransom to get files back?
Paying the ransom is controversial. While it may allow you to recover files, it also encourages and funds cybercrime. Most experts advise against paying the ransom for consumer devices. However, businesses with irreplaceable data sometimes decide paying is the best option.
How can you prevent ransomware infections?
The best way to deal with ransomware is to prevent infections in the first place. Some prevention tips include:
- Installing reputable endpoint security software with anti-ransomware features
- Avoiding suspicious emails, links, and downloads
- Regularly patching and updating software
- Disabling RDP if not needed
- Backing up data regularly
- Restricting admin rights on users accounts
Conclusion
While ransomware removal presents challenges, infections can often be mitigated or eliminated with persistence and the right tools. Preventing ransomware with comprehensive security practices is critical for avoiding this potentially devastating threat. Backups also serve as an important last line of defense against data loss from ransomware encryption.
Is ransomware on the rise?
Yes, ransomware attacks are definitely on the rise globally based on a number of reports and studies. Here are some key statistics on the growth of ransomware:
- Ransomware attacks increased by 715% in 2021 compared to 2020 according to SonicWall.
- Ransom demands are skyrocketing, with the average ransom payment increasing by 82% in 2021 to $570,000 according to Coveware.
- Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) offerings have proliferated, allowing easy access to ransomware toolkits for criminals.
- High-profile attacks against critical infrastructure sectors like energy and healthcare demonstrate increased sophistication.
Multiple factors are driving the ransomware surge, including:
- Lucrative payouts from large organizations and government agencies.
- Hard-to-trace cryptocurrency enabling anonymous extortion.
- More sophisticated phishing lures tricking end users.
- Unpatched vulnerabilities in Internet-facing systems.
All organizations should take the ransomware threat very seriously and take steps to assess and improve their security posture against this growing risk.
What are the most common ransomware strains?
The most prevalent ransomware strains include:
| Ransomware Strain | Overview |
| Conti | An aggressive RaaS variant targeting enterprises and government agencies. |
| REvil | A major RaaS operation responsible for high-profile attacks in 2021. |
| LockBit | Another prolific RaaS strain inflicting ransomware on organizations globally. |
| Ryuk | Focused mainly on larger institutions and goes after high ransom payments. |
| Cerber | An older but still active ransomware-as-a-service offering. |
| SamSam | Targets vulnerable servers and network appliances more than user endpoints. |
While many strains exist, human-operated ransomware aimed at bigger targets appears to be a growing focus for cybercriminals rather than broad, indiscriminate campaigns.
How do threat actors gain access for ransomware attacks?
Initial access prior to ransomware deployment often leverages one or more of the following attack vectors:
- Phishing emails with malicious attachments or links
- Exploiting remote desktop protocol (RDP) vulnerabilities
- Taking advantage of unpatched software vulnerabilities
- Leveraging compromised credentials purchased on the dark web
- Abusing remote monitoring and management tools like Kaseya or ConnectWise
With access established, attackers then:
- Perform reconnaissance to map the network
- Harvest credentials to expand access
- Compromise administrator accounts
- Deploy ransomware manually or using automation
Multi-factor authentication, least privilege access controls, and disabling unused remote access services can all help mitigate these initial intrusion vectors.
What are the consequences of a successful ransomware attack?
Beyond just encrypting data, ransomware attacks can lead to:
- Lost revenues from business interruption
- Permanent loss of data if backups are impacted
- Regulatory penalties or lawsuits due to data loss
- Costly recovery and remediation efforts
- Brand and reputation damage
A 2021 study by Sophos found the average cost of recovery from a ransomware attack was $1.85 million for organizations.
What ransomware trends can we expect in the future?
Ongoing ransomware trends to expect include:
- Increasingly targeted attacks against high value enterprises
- Higher ransom demands
- Greater levels of extortion and pressure during negotiations
- Booming Ransomware-as-a-Service offerings
- Shifting away from consumer targets
- Disruptive attacks against critical infrastructure sectors
Organizations should invest in layered defenses and incident response plans with ransomware specifically in mind. Some also recommend keeping cryptocurrency on hand for difficult situations where paying the ransom might be the most viable option.
Conclusion
Ransomware remains one of the top cyber threats for organizations going into 2023 and beyond. By understanding the most common strains, access tactics, and potential impacts, organizations can better defend against ransomware through security awareness, hardening vulnerabilities, and appropriate safeguards. Maintaining offline backups and ransomware response plans are also critical elements of dealing with this threat.
Ransomware
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a form of malicious software (malware) that encrypts important files and data on a system and demands a ransom payment in order to provide the decryption key and restore access. It has rapidly emerged as a major cyber threat to both organizations and individual users.
How Does Ransomware Work?
A ransomware attack typically works in the following sequence:
- Initial access – The attacker gains entry to a network through phishing, exploits, or other vectors.
- Infiltration – The malware spreads across systems looking for valuable data to encrypt.
- Encryption – Files, drives, databases, etc are encrypted using cryptographic algorithms.
- Extortion – A ransom demand is issued, threatening permanent data loss if unpaid.
- Recovery – If the ransom is paid, decryption keys may be provided to recover data.
Advanced ransomware strains move quickly once inside a system, encrypting vast amounts of data before defenses can respond and contain the infection.
Types of Ransomware
There are several major types of ransomware:
- Scareware – Pretends to encrypt files to scare victims into paying, but doesn’t actually prevent file access.
- Lock screen – Locks the user out of the device with a ransom note but files remain intact.
- Encryptors – The most dangerous kind that uses cryptography to encrypt files.
- Doxware – Exfiltrates and threatens to publish sensitive data if unpaid.
- Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) – Offerings that enable extensive customization of ransomware strains.
Objectives of Ransomware Attacks
The main goals of ransomware attacks include:
- Extorting money from victims through ransom demands
- Causing disruption to daily operations and productivity
- Stealing and selling valuable private data
- Damaging IT infrastructure and driving remediation costs
For this reason, ransomware continues to be a preferred attack method of cybercriminals seeking financial gain. Cryptocurrency payments also help attackers launder ransoms without being traced.
Trends and Statistics
Some notable ransomware trends and statistics include:
- Ransomware grew over 350% globally from 2018 to 2019 according to FBI data.
- Payouts now average over $1 million from large enterprises according to Coveware.
- The most common ransomware vectors are phishing and remote desktop protocol attacks.
- Around 33% of ransomware attacks in 2020 targeted small businesses according to a Verizon DBIR report.
- Cybercriminals are increasingly collaborating and specializing their roles in the ransomware business model.
Ransomware continues to pose major risks to organizations of all sizes and across all industries. Cybersecurity should make ransomware defense a top priority in their overall security strategy.
Prevention Tips
Some best practices to prevent ransomware attacks include:
- Educating employees on phishing and social engineering red flags.
- Patching vulnerabilities rapidly and comprehensively.
- Using antivirus/anti-malware software and next-gen endpoint security.
- Segmenting networks and minimizing Internet access.
- Restricting administrative credentials.
- Backing up data regularly and keeping offline backups.
Layered defenses combining technology solutions, user awareness, access controls, and backups are key to stopping ransomware campaigns before they result in data encryption.
What To Do if Infected
Steps to take if ransomware strikes include:
- Isolate the infected systems immediately.
- Determine the variant if possible and check for available decryption tools.
- Evaluate backup options and check if data can be restored.
- Consider paying the ransom only as a last resort.
- Wipe systems, restore data, and change all passwords after recovery.
Having an incident response plan ready for ransomware can help organizations respond more quickly and effectively if hit.
The Future of Ransomware
Ransomware shows no signs of slowing down until cyber defenses catch up. Some predictions for the future include:
- Increasingly targeted, manual ransomware attacks
- Skyrocketing ransom demands in the millions of dollars
- Shifting away from consumer targets to enterprises
- Greater levels of extortion during the ransom process
- More ransomware technologies sold as-a-service to less skilled criminals
To counter this, organizations must continue to prioritize security awareness training, network segmentation, controlled access, vulnerability management, and comprehensive backup strategies.
Conclusion
Ransomware represents a serious threat to organizations of all types. Preventing infections requires layered security measures and user education to block the initial attacks vectors. Rapidly detecting and responding to active ransomware is key to limiting its damage and avoiding costly recovery efforts. Backing up critical data is also indispensable insurance against the loss of files to encryption.