How to deal with ransomware encrypted files
Updated on October 21, 2022, by Xcitium
How Do You Deal With Ransomware Encrypted Files?
If your files have been encrypted by ransomware, immediately isolate the infected device, disconnect it from the network, identify the ransomware strain, check for available decryption tools, restore files from secure backups, and perform a full malware removal process. Avoid paying the ransom unless advised by legal, cybersecurity, or law enforcement professionals.
7 Steps to Recover Ransomware Encrypted Files
- Disconnect infected devices from the network.
- Identify the ransomware variant.
- Preserve encrypted files and evidence.
- Check for available ransomware decryptors.
- Restore data from clean backups.
- Remove ransomware from affected systems.
- Strengthen security controls to prevent reinfection.
Following these steps improves the chances of successful recovery while minimizing additional damage.
Can Ransomware Encrypted Files Be Recovered?
Yes, ransomware encrypted files can sometimes be recovered. Recovery options depend on:
- The ransomware strain
- Availability of backups
- Existence of free decryption tools
- Severity of system compromise
- Timing of incident response
Organizations with tested backups generally have the highest recovery success rates.
Ransomware File Recovery Methods Comparison
| Recovery Method | Success Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Backup Restoration | Very High | Organizations with recent backups |
| Free Decryption Tools | Medium to High | Supported ransomware variants |
| Shadow Copies | Medium | Limited Windows environments |
| File Recovery Software | Low to Medium | Partial file restoration |
| Incident Response Services | High | Enterprise ransomware attacks |
| Paying the Ransom | Uncertain | Not recommended |
Deal With Ransomware Encrypted Files, Coming into work to discover that you’ve been a victim of a ransomware attack may be the ultimate example of a bad day. It is, however, a fact of life for many companies. With that in mind, here is a quick guide on how to deal with ransomware encrypted files (assuming you don’t have a backup).
Never pay the ransom
Here is what you don’t do. You don’t pay the ransom. This is more than just a matter of morals. It’s a matter of practicality. There is no guarantee whatsoever that you will get your files back. There are known to be some forms of ransomware that cannot be decrypted, meaning that you can’t get your files back.
Use a ransomware analyzer tool to identify the form of ransomware used
The inevitable ransom note will generally come with a sample of encrypted files to show that the cyberattacker means business. These can be analyzed by ransomware-identifier tools which will take their best guess as to which form of ransomware is most likely to have been used. Some of these tools will then be able to tell you if a decryption key exists or you can check on the internet.
Be very aware, however, that you will need a bit of luck on your side. The fact that ransomware is so lucrative means that the cybercriminals behind it have means as well as the motive to keep updating their software so that security tools are rendered obsolete as quickly as possible.
If you have a proper data backup strategy in place you won’t need to worry about decryption
You want to avoid being attacked by ransomware in the first place. If, however, you do wind up with a ransomware infection, your pain can be greatly reduced if you can just restore from a data backup instead of having to cross your fingers and hope that you can find a decryption tool.
In the context of dealing with ransomware encrypted files, the key point to note is that automatic data backups to local systems will generally just transfer the infected file to your data backup environment, potentially overwriting a healthy file in the process. This is one of the many reasons why it’s important to have a second data backup stored offsite and to check files carefully before transferring them to it.
While this may require extra effort to implement, especially if you are working in the public cloud, the effort is well worth taking. Not only will it give you added protection against data loss, including from ransomware attacks, but it will lay the foundation for a complete business-continuity/disaster-recovery solution.
Effective IT security will go a long way towards stopping ransomware attacks
It does have to be said that no security system can ever guarantee 100% protection, but it can get you pretty close and do a lot to reduce the likelihood that you will need to go through the hassle of restoring from data backup after a ransomware attack.
Your first line of defense is an anti-malware product with a firewall
You can actually get an anti-malware product and a separate firewall but these days there is hardly ever a reason to do so. If you buy a product from a reputable vendor it will perform both functions just as well as separate products, plus it will usually be more cost-effective and simpler to configure.
At this point, cloud-based anti-malware products are generally the best option for two reasons. Firstly, they can be updated more quickly as the updates go live as soon as they are deployed on the server. Secondly, they reduce the burden on the local device.
It is vital to keep your operating system and applications updated
In simple terms, any device connected to the internet should use an operating system and applications that are still maintained by the developer. All security-related updates should be applied promptly, if possible as soon as they are released. If you must keep older operating systems or applications running, then you should aim to keep them offline.
Xcitium Security takes priority over user convenience, so if updates need to be applied during the daytime, resulting in a congested network and/or users being required to reboot their computers, then so be it. Alternatively, you can arrange for a managed IT services company to take care of your updates and ask them to do so either out of hours or when your network is quiet.
How to Find a Ransomware Decryption Tool
Some ransomware families have publicly available decryptors.
Before paying a ransom:
- Identify the ransomware strain.
- Review ransom notes and file extensions.
- Search reputable cybersecurity resources.
- Verify whether a free decryptor exists.
- Test recovery on copied files first.
Not all ransomware variants can currently be decrypted.
Restore Encrypted Files From Backups
The safest recovery method is restoring data from clean backups.
Recommended backup sources include:
- Offline backups
- Immutable backups
- Cloud backups with version history
- Disaster recovery systems
Before restoration:
- Remove ransomware completely
- Verify backup integrity
- Scan restored files
This helps prevent reinfection.
What Not to Do After Ransomware Encryption
Avoid:
✗ Paying the ransom immediately
✗ Deleting encrypted files
✗ Reinstalling systems before preserving evidence
✗ Connecting infected devices to the network
✗ Restoring backups before malware removal
✗ Ignoring incident response procedures
These mistakes can reduce recovery options.
Ransomware Encrypted Files Recovery Checklist
✓ Disconnect affected devices
✓ Preserve encrypted files
✓ Identify the ransomware variant
✓ Document ransom notes
✓ Check for decryption tools
✓ Remove malware completely
✓ Restore clean backups
✓ Change compromised credentials
✓ Monitor systems for reinfection
✓ Update security controls
Should You Pay for Ransomware Decryption?
Most cybersecurity experts recommend against paying ransom demands because:
- Decryption is not guaranteed
- Attackers may disappear after payment
- Files may remain corrupted
- Criminal activity is funded
- Future attacks may be encouraged
Organizations should prioritize backups, decryption tools, and incident response whenever possible.
How to Prevent Future Ransomware Encryption
After recovery:
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR)
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Implement Zero Trust security
- Patch vulnerabilities quickly
- Train employees on phishing threats
- Maintain immutable backups
- Monitor network activity continuously
These measures significantly reduce future ransomware risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can encrypted files be recovered after ransomware?
Yes. Recovery may be possible through backups, free decryption tools, or professional incident response services.
Is it safe to pay a ransomware demand?
Most cybersecurity professionals discourage payment because recovery is not guaranteed and criminals may continue targeting victims.
Can antivirus decrypt ransomware-encrypted files?
No. Antivirus software can remove ransomware but typically cannot decrypt files without a dedicated decryptor.
What is the first step after ransomware encrypts files?
Immediately disconnect infected devices from the network to prevent further spread.
Are backups the best defense against ransomware?
Yes. Tested, offline, and immutable backups provide the most reliable method for recovering encrypted files.
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