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Ransomware Recovery: Outsmarting Criminal Minds

Since the digital age began, the term “ransom” has taken on a whole new meaning. Ransomware, a malicious software often perceived as infiltrating and permanently compromising entire computer systems or networks to hold data hostage, poses a persistent threat in today’s interconnected world.

In this article, we explore the captivating world of ransomware and reveal the DriveSavers secret weapon that can rescue an organization from the clutches of cybercriminals—data recovery.

data governance and maintenance includes data deletion

How Ransomware Sneaks In

A ransomware infection is a digital kidnapping where attackers encrypt your data and demand a ransom for its release.

Ransomware attackers don’t always stop at making an organization’s data inaccessible; they may also threaten to expose private or protected information, adding another sinister twist to the ordeal. The primary objective, however, is simple: they want money.

So, how does this nefarious software find its way into a computer, server, or multiple devices? Cybercriminals have found multiple ways to infiltrate digital fortresses and install ransomware through various cunning means:

  1. Phishing Emails: One of the most common entry points for ransomware is deceptive emails. An employee clicks a seemingly innocent link or attachment, and bam! Files throughout the connected system are taken hostage.
  2. Compromised Websites: Visiting the wrong website can spell trouble. Some websites harbor ransomware, just waiting to pounce on unsuspecting visitors.
  3. Exploiting Vulnerabilities: Outdated software and unpatched systems are like open doors for ransomware. Attackers exploit these weaknesses to infiltrate a digital domain.

The Ransomware Riddle

One day you discover that all your files, photos, and documents are locked. In a digital vault. And the only key is in the hands of a cybercriminal, who is asking you to pay them to get your data back. What do you do? Do you have to pay them? Are there options?

Enter DriveSavers Data Recovery: The Hero of the Hour

Now that you know the enemy, it’s time to meet the hero—data recovery. When ransomware strikes, panic often sets in. But remember, all hope is not lost. Here’s how DriveSavers, the ransomware solution champion, can save the day:

  • Repairing Structural Damage: The engineers are able to repair structural damage caused by encryption.
  • Post-Decryption Repairs: DriveSavers can fix files left in a corrupted state after decryption.
  • Seeking Unaffected Versions: Data recovery engineers scour for older, deleted, or other versions of your data that remain untouched by the ransomware’s grip.
  • Alternative Data Sources: DriveSavers can hunt for data in alternative sources that have not been encrypted by ransomware for file recovery, like data backup tapes and cloud assets.
  • Decryptor Magic: DriveSavers data recovery engineers have the expertise to reverse the damage done by the threat actor by using or modifying decryptors.

Tips for Ransomware Protection

Of course, prevention is the best medicine. Here are some effective data protection methods for an organization to keep ransomware at bay:

Disable Remote Desktop: Make it a policy with employees to shut down their remote desktops when they aren’t using them.
Regular Software Updates: Keep security software, applications, and operating systems up to date on all company storage devices. Unpatched systems are like open doors for hackers.
Firewalls and Antivirus: Always install updates as soon as they are available on all company devices.
Beware of Malicious Emails: Train employees to be suspicious of all unexpected emails and attachments (even from people they know), to be vigilant about suspicious links, and how to recognize phishing emails. It’s beneficial to hire a security training service, such as KnowBe4.
IP Address Restrictions:Limit access to trusted networks only.

Ransomware: The Final Showdown

In the unfortunate event of a ransomware attack, disconnect from the internet and other devices immediately. And don’t despair—DriveSavers is a proven solution. We have the expertise to outsmart these criminal minds and retrieve your valuable data from ransomware.

Before contacting the attackers, get in touch with DriveSavers. Our solutions might recover more data than you’d ever get by paying the ransom. Plus, we ensure no further damage or malware access while in our lab. If you have already contacted the threat actor, still call us. DriveSavers can help before, after, or concurrent to any action you take. We will collaborate with security professionals and incident response teams to help your organization recover from the cyberattack.

With almost 40 years of experience and cutting-edge data recovery techniques, DriveSavers is your ultimate business continuity ally in the battle against ransomware attacks. So, stay vigilant, keep your systems updated, and remember, when ransomware locks you out, DriveSavers Data Recovery can help you get back in!

Mike Cobb, Director of Engineering and CISO
As Director of Engineering, Mike Cobb manages the day-to-day operations of the Engineering Department, including the physical and logical recoveries of rotational media, SSDs, smart devices and flash media. He also oversees the R&D efforts for past, present, and future storage technologies. Mike encourages growth and ensures that each of the departments and their engineers continues to gain knowledge in their field. Each DriveSavers engineer has been trained to ensure the successful and complete recovery of data is their top priority.

As Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Mike oversees cybersecurity at DriveSavers, including maintaining and updating security certifications such as SOC 2 Type II compliance, coordinating company security policy, and employee cybersecurity education.

Mike joined DriveSavers in 1994 and has a B.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of California, Riverside.

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