How do I decrypt ransomware?
Decrypting ransomware, i.e. deciphering data locked by ransomware, represents a vital challenge for the organizations affected, be they companies, public authorities or local authorities. Although ransomware attacks are a constantly evolving form of cybercrime, your organization can protect itself and respond to them.
1- Protect yourself and anticipate ransomware attacks
Good digital security practices will enable you to manage, or at best anticipate, crises caused by the encryption of your data:
- regularly back up your data using cloud computing or independent storage media (NAS servers, RAID systems, etc.);
- regularly update your operating systems, software (especially antivirus software), web browsers and plug-ins;
- avoid risky behavior: opening e-mails or attachments of dubious origin, visiting uncertified or high-risk websites, etc.
2- The right reflexes in the event of a ransomware attack
The success of subsequent ransomware decryption / ransomware decryption operations will depend on your first reflexes:
- Isolate the computer or system infected by the attack: cut off Internet access, disconnect from the network, quarantine ;
- take a screenshot of the ransom message, which may contain information about the ransomware version;
- don’t pay the ransom! This will not guarantee the recovery of your data, and will encourage further ransomware attacks.
3- Decrypt files encrypted by a ransomware virus
Decrypting files encrypted by ransomware or ransomware requires identifying the ransomware or ransomware in order to implement the appropriate procedures:
- try to trace the source of the attack: fraudulent e-mail or infected attachment, website hacked by web exploit or malvertising, etc. ;
- collect any clues that may help identify the ransomware: screenshots(see above), behavior, extension of encrypted files, etc. ;
- identifiez le ransomware et mettez en œuvre les procédures connues lorsqu’elles existent ; vous disposez pour cela de plusieurs ressources :
