How to Remove Ransomware

Ransomware is legit the digital version of a hostage situation. You’re locked behind a wall of encryption waiting for ominous messages from a cybercriminal who likely demanded a lot of cryptocurrency. 

And the worst part? Even if you pay the ransom, there's no guarantee the threat actor will give you your data back. After all, cyber criminals are not trustworthy.

So, how do you remove ransomware without giving in to extortionists?

Removing ransomware isn't as simple as dropping it into your computer's trash. Ransomware attacks are brutal. Cyber criminals use it to dig their claws deep into your system. Fortunately, ridding your system of ransomware isn't impossible. Here's how you can get the upper hand.

• Isolate infected devices. Any device infected by malware should be disconnected from the internet ASAP. This prevents the malware from spreading. Think of it as a salmonella outbreak. To stop the bacteria from spreading, anything contaminated needs to be recalled. 
• Boot device into safe mode. This prevents the malware from launching when you start your computer, giving you a better shot at removing it.
• Use ransomware removal tools. Sometimes, your best friend is software. Reliable ransomware removal tools provide an extra layer of security by automatically scanning and deleting ransomware. (We'll dig more into this later). 
• Segment sensitive data. Limit access to sensitive data so that it’s harder to gain access to by attackers.
• Backup your data! Organizations that diligently backup their data can recover from a ransomware attack much faster than those who do not, as they can wipe their systems clean without losing a single file. 
• Seek out a cyber security partner. Call a professional if a ransomware attack is severe. An experienced incident response team can help recover your data and strengthen your security posture. 

Answer: it depends on the strain of ransomware. 

Many ransomware strains are like digital termites and getting rid of them is annoying but manageable. Other strains, however, are more aggressive, like hornets. These digital hornets set up nests throughout your network and attack at every turn. 

Early detection makes removal much easier, regardless of the strain of the ransomware. There are sophisticated variants like double extortion attacks that make recovery a nightmare, but in general, if you have the proper security tools and cybersecurity experts at the helm of your cybersecurity strategy, your chances of defending against ransomware increase significantly. 

The bottom line? Prevention always beats remediation. Backup your data regularly, leverage strong endpoint protection, and have your workforce go through security awareness training. Preventative actions can help stop ransomware before it has an opportunity to invade your network.

Like most things, there isn't a magic bullet for ransomware removal. The best solution would be prevention. That said, there are some options in terms of tools that we can leverage to punch back at ransomware.

• Windows Defender can be used as more of a preventative tool. It features real-time protection, cloud-based threat detection, and behavioral analysis to identify and block malicious activity before it can encrypt files.‍
• No More Ransom Project offers decryption tools, depending on the ransomware variant.

While all of these options are good choices for removal, if ransomware has encrypted files, the removal itself won't undo the damage. A proactive security posture is key.

If a known decryptor exists for the strain of ransomware that attacked you, then yes. There is a solid chance you can undo the damage. If not, your options can be limited to just restoring from a backup or consulting security experts for recovery assistance. 

To better bounce back from a ransomware attack, here's what you should do: 

• Don't pay the ransom. Never negotiate with cybercriminals. They can't be trusted, and there's no guarantee they will return your files. Plus, by paying them, you're funding more cybercrime. 
• Keep multiple backups. Because you're a pro who's already backing up your data, take it a step further and follow the 3, 2, 1 rule: three copies of every file, two different storage types, one offsite location. 
• Leverage endpoint detection and response (EDR). EDR can catch ransomware before it does any damage—Huntress' Managed EDR offering can take this to the next level. 

Ransomware actors are relentless. That said, you don't have to fall prey to them. With the right multi-layered cyber security strategy, you can stay vigilant, protected, and most importantly, one step ahead. 

Huntress is ready to help you understand and avoid ransomware.

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