Ransomware data recovery
Ransomware attacks are increasing every day, and no one seems to be exempt whether they are a small businesses and large corporations. Based on an annual report for global security, there were more than 304 million ransomware attacks worldwide in 2020.
Even if you do everything right to prevent ransomware, you can still experience a ransomware breach. You want to recover from it and then bolster your defenses to avoid encountering another attack in the future. Fortunately, Mimecast offers ransomware recovery services and preventative services that will strengthen the security of your important data and systems so you can continue doing what matters most.
As you continue to read on, you’ll learn about how ransomware works and how to recover from and protect your data after a ransomware attack.
How does ransomware work?
Ransomware is malware that often targets sensitive data and files, which it then encrypts and/or threatens to publish if ransom is not paid. Some ransomware also focuses on locking users out of their systems, promising to restore access once the ransom is paid. One of the most common ways ransomware attacks can be delivered is via a spear-phishing attack or a spam email that includes a link or an attachment with malicious software.
Other forms of ransomware can infiltrate systems by guessing passwords, exploiting vulnerabilities in software, and/or bypassing firewalls and other security measures that had been temporarily disabled.
The ransom demands and terms will often be displayed as a message on the background of your desktop or placed in each encrypted directory. Amounts can vary and are typically requested in cryptocurrency.
Data Encryption: Crypto Ransomware
Many types of ransomware encrypt your files. Data encryption is the process of translating data from one form to another. It uses mathematical algorithms to scramble the data, and it can only be accessed with a decryption key.
In some cases, ransomware will delete your backup copies of your files to make it harder to recover from a ransomware attack without using a decryption key.
Double Extortion
In addition to encrypting files, many ransomware variants also threaten to publish or sell the data if the ransom is not paid. This is known as a double extortion tactic and has become more common in recent years.
Locky Ransomware
Locky ransomware is malware that encrypts your files so you can’t access them. This ransomware is serious and can cause major damage to your internal systems and servers.
Mimecast offers anti-ransomware technology to detect ransomware and defend your systems against Locky ransomware.
Methods of ransomware recovery
Ransomware recovery methods help you get your data back during a ransomware attack or any other time your data is compromised.
Restore data from backup
Restoring your data from backup is an essential component of recovery. To restore from backup, you’ll need an up-to-date version of your data that isn’t infected with ransomware. Mimecast helps you use secure backups that are difficult for cyber attackers to infiltrate, so your data is always protected when using our products.
Ransomware decryption software
Data decryption software can be used to restore your data from a ransomware attack. This method is especially helpful if you don’t have a way to back up your data to where it was before the attack occurred.
Data recovery software allows you to extract the deleted or corrupted data from storage devices. It can also repair hard drive partitions. However, decryption keys are not always available, especially when it comes to some of the new and more sophisticated ransomware variants. That’s one of many reasons why prevention is so critical.
How to prevent ransomware
In addition to understanding how to recover your systems from ransomware, it’s even more important to know how to prevent ransomware from attacking in the future. By taking these preventative measures, you can lessen the likelihood of being a victim of a ransomware attack.
Backup important files frequently
Back up your important files frequently and isolate them from both local and open networks to help prevent your system from a ransomware attack.
It’s also beneficial to store offline backups of your data somewhere that is not accessible to a potentially infected computer. For example, you can keep your backups in an external storage drive or cloud.
Avoid clicking on unsafe links and opening suspicious sttachments
If you receive an email from a sender that isn’t in your contact list, do not open the attachments or click on the links within that email. If you click on links from spam emails, your computer system may be susceptible to a ransomware attack.
Always keep programs and operating systems current
Keep your programs and operating systems current by updating them regularly. Older systems are notoriously easier for cyberattackers to exploit, and organizations with outdated systems are prime targets.
Ransomware data recovery services
Mimecast provides advanced ransomware data recovery services. Through Mimecast’s ransomware protection, you can help prevent ransomware attacks, and automate backup practices.
Explore Mimecast ransomware recovery services
By taking the necessary precautions to protect your organization’s computer systems, you can reduce the probability of being a victim of a ransomware attack. Ransomware recovery is essential for recovering from an attack, but it’s best to avoid the attack in the first place.
At Mimecast, we make it a priority to stop cyber threats before they affect your business. Find out more about how Mimecast can provide ransomware recovery services for your business.
