How to Remove Ransomware from your Computer?

Updated on October 21, 2022, by Xcitium

How to Remove Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that cyberthieves use to encrypt all data on a victim’s computer and demand for payment to retrieve the encrypted content. In implementing a ransomware encryption attack, attackers use military grade encryption algorithm which can only be unlocked with a unique passkey.

In the first quarter of 2018, roughly 180,000 users worldwide were affected by ransomware attacks. This implies that proper understanding on how to remove ransomware encryption and ample protection from any type of cyber attack are imperative knowledge to have in this digital age.

Earliest variants of ransomware first surface in the late 1980s. In the early years of ransomware attacks, cybercriminals ask their victims to send them the ransom payment via snail mail. But now, with improved technology and payment methods, ransomware creators demand victims to send ransom payments through cryptocurrency exchanges, which unfortunately neither security nor government agencies can detect.

Due to their lack of awareness about proper cyber security knowledge, ransomware creators initially target attacks and extort money from household users (a.k.a. individual systems). But soon enough, ransomware creators realized how far more profitable it would be if they could rolled out a successful ransomware attack to a business enterprise. This is a probable key driving force why 35% of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) had reportedly experienced at least one ransomware attack in 2017.

Cyberthieves can infect your computer with ransomware encryption through an array of well-formulated attack schemes. Malicious spam is one of these ransomware attack schemes and the most typically used by attackers. Malicious spams work by sending potential victims unsolicited emails that contain infected links or file attachments (Word file, PDF) that will download the ransomware to the defenseless victim’s computer.

Ransomware attacks occur more frequently on western markets. The UK, US and Canada are the top three countries ransomware creators target the most. Emerging markets in Asia and South America are also predicted to experience significant increase in ransomware encryption attacks. But even though you don’t reside in these areas, you are still not safe. As long as you have important data on your computer that you can’t afford to lose, you must stay vigilant and get yourself proper skills and knowledge on how to remove ransomware on your computer properly.

If you are to encounter a ransomware attack, then you must know how to address it and remove ransomware properly. Always remember to not panic and remain as calm as you can be. This way you will be able to think decently and address the attack more wisely. Take note of every information you can get and log all files that are being flagged as infected by your OS or security software.

Also, disconnect the infected computer from the internet. There is a possibility the ransomware that infected your computer is still actively sending data to your attackers. If you need to do research about ransomware, it would be more clever to do it using another device.

Ransomware attacks bring trouble. So if your computer get infected, don’t think twice and learn how to remove ransomware from your computer accordingly so you will be able to cure it immediately.

If you still have access to your computer, then it will be an easier method. Using a different device (remember to keep the ransomware-infected computer disconnected from the network), look and download a reputable software program that has the capacity to disable and delete ransomware attacks from your computer. Install it on the infected computer and run a full scan. The scan will display the detected infections your computer has, select them all and delete it permanently from your computer.

But if your computer is unfortunately already locked by the ransomware attack, it will be then a longer process. What you can do is restart the computer and use it in Safe Mode. This will not affect your files at all, but it can return system files and programs to the state they were in whichever date you will select. To do this, you must carefully follow these steps:

1. Restart your computer.
2. Press the F8 key while your computer is booting up.
3. Use the arrow keys to select the Safe Mode option on the screen.
4. Type rstrui.exe using the text cursor that appears on the screen
5. Press Enter.

This will direct you to a Windows System Restore screen that displays all save points within your Windows system before the attack was established. Just choose a date and restore your computer to this point. After this, proceed with the aforementioned method used when your computer is still accessible.

If you have a backup file, perhaps in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox) or in a portable HDD, then you can just easily copy the backed data on your computer and don’t need to worry about the ransomware encryption attack anymore.

Always remember, do not easily resort to paying the ransom. There is no assurance that these cyber criminals will give you the necessary passkey for unlocking the encrypted files once you pay them. Also, by easily giving in to their demands, you are just further making it as a profitable scheme that can encourage them to launch more ransomware attacks to either you or someone else.

There are free decryptor tools available now online. Even these software cannot promise you to retrieve all your encrypted data, there is still a chance that they can unlock some of the files that were encrypted by the ransomware attack. Always be assertive about the proper understanding on how to remove ransomware to not get yourself into a big trouble once an attacker found a hole in your security system.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Ransomware

1. Disconnect the infected computer from all networks.
2. Isolate additional affected devices.
3. Identify the ransomware family if possible.
4. Preserve logs and forensic evidence.
5. Run a trusted antivirus or endpoint protection solution.
6. Remove or quarantine the ransomware.
7. Apply operating system and software updates.
8. Change passwords for affected accounts.
9. Restore files from verified clean backups.
10. Perform a complete verification scan before reconnecting systems.

Following these steps helps reduce further damage while supporting a secure recovery process.

What Happens After a Ransomware Infection?

Removing ransomware and recovering data are two separate tasks.

After malware removal:

• The ransomware program is eliminated.
• Damaged or encrypted files may still require restoration.
• Backups should be verified before recovery.
• Security gaps should be identified and remediated.
• Continuous monitoring should be enabled to detect reinfection.

Recovery planning is as important as malware removal.

Can Encrypted Files Be Recovered?

Recovery depends on the ransomware variant and available resources.

Possible options include:

• Restoring clean offline backups
• Restoring immutable cloud backups
• Using a trusted decryptor when available
• Recovering previous file versions
• Rebuilding affected systems
• Working with incident response specialists

Organizations should verify backups before relying on them during recovery.

Remove Ransomware vs Recover Files

Recovery Comparison

Both steps are necessary for complete incident recovery.

Signs Your Computer Has Ransomware

Your device may be infected if you notice:

• Files suddenly become inaccessible or encrypted.
• File extensions change unexpectedly.
• A ransom note appears on the screen.
• High disk or CPU activity.
• Security software is disabled.
• Unknown processes are running.
• Shared drives become encrypted.
• Important files disappear or cannot be opened.

Immediate isolation helps limit the spread of ransomware.

Signs Your Computer Has Ransomware

Your device may be infected if you notice:

• Files suddenly become inaccessible or encrypted.
• File extensions change unexpectedly.
• A ransom note appears on the screen.
• High disk or CPU activity.
• Security software is disabled.
• Unknown processes are running.
• Shared drives become encrypted.
• Important files disappear or cannot be opened.

Immediate isolation helps limit the spread of ransomware.

How to Prevent Future Ransomware Attacks

Organizations can reduce ransomware risk by:

• Maintaining offline and immutable backups.
• Applying security patches promptly.
• Using advanced endpoint protection.
• Filtering phishing emails.
• Restricting administrative privileges.
• Segmenting critical networks.
• Monitoring endpoints continuously.
• Conducting employee cybersecurity awareness training.
• Implementing application allowlisting.
• Testing incident response procedures regularly.

A layered security strategy offers the strongest protection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Ransomware

Can ransomware be removed?

Yes. Trusted antivirus or endpoint protection software can remove the ransomware program. However, removing the malware does not automatically decrypt encrypted files.

Will removing ransomware restore my files?

Not necessarily. Encrypted files generally require restoration from verified backups or, in some cases, a trusted decryptor if one is available for the ransomware family.

Should I pay the ransom?

Security authorities generally advise against paying because payment does not guarantee file recovery and may encourage further criminal activity.

What should I do first after a ransomware attack?

Disconnect the infected device from the network, isolate affected systems, preserve evidence, and begin your incident response process before attempting recovery.

Can antivirus remove ransomware?

Many modern antivirus and endpoint protection solutions can detect and remove ransomware. After removal, perform a full verification scan and restore data from clean backups if necessary.

How can I prevent ransomware in the future?

Maintain offline backups, keep software updated, use endpoint protection, enable MFA, educate users about phishing, and continuously monitor systems for suspicious activity.

Best Way To Protect Against Ransomware

IT Management Solutions

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