Here are four tried-and-true steps for removing ransomware from a business network
Whether the victim is a small business or a multinational company, ransomware attacks are debilitating. In each case, prevention is the key to keeping ransomware attacks at bay. However, if the attack has occurred you can still recover your sensitive data. Continue reading to uncover four steps to remove ransomware attacks from your business network.
Key Steps To Remove Ransomware
- Regardless of the proper preparation and security protocols, ransomware attacks can still make it past all the defenses. Detection of the attack as early as possible is critical to prevent the malware from spreading to other systems and devices. Employees who encounter ransomware attacks should quickly notify the security and help desk team.
Follow these steps to successfully remove ransomware from your business network.
Step 1: Isolation Of the Infected Device
- If you suspect ransomware has taken over your network, disconnect the affected system from all the wired or wireless networks. This includes disconnecting the internet, mobile devices, flash drives, cloud storage accounts, external hard drives, and network drives. This practice is essential to prevent ransomware from spreading to other systems.
Check if any device connected to the affected device has been infected by the attack. Remove the malware from the system immediately, if the ransom has not been demanded yet. However, if the ransom has been demanded, engage cautiously with the perpetrators. FBI recommends against paying the ransom.
Step 2: Determining The Type Of Attack
- Remediation efforts can be initiated accordingly when the type of ransomware is identified. For instance, remediation may not be possible if the device access is blocked as in a locker ransomware attack. The infected device or network needs to be examined by an expert security professional so that the problem can be diagnosed. Some software tools can also help diagnose the problem. some of these tools are available as freeware while others require a subscription.
Step 3: Removal Of The Ransomware
- The ransomware needs to be removed before a system can be recovered. During the initial phase of the attack, the launched malware takes over a system, encrypts important files, and locks the system’s access. A decryption key is then required to unlock or decrypt the system. However, the key is provided by the attackers only after receiving the demanded ransom.
Here are a few things you can do to remove the ransomware.
- Sometimes the ransomware deletes itself after having infected the targeted system. While other times, it stays on the system even after infecting the files. Therefore, it is necessary to check if the ransomware is deleted or is still present in the system.
- Most antimalware software can successfully quarantine and remove the malware so it would be helpful to use them.
- Another thing you can do is work with the security team to remove the ransomware from your network. You can hire third-party support for this purpose.
- See if you can remove the malware manually by uninstalling the ransomware file from your device.
Step 4: Recover the system
Once you have successfully removed the ransomware from your system, the next step is to recover your critical data. This can be done by restoring the version of the operating system before the occurrence of the attack. Restore your backups by using the system restore function, in case the backups were not locked or encrypted. However, the files created after the last backup date will not be recovered with this method. Most mainstream OS has tools that can help recover data and restore the compromised system.
When you have recovered your system, do the following:
- Implement strict security measures as soon as possible, and update all passwords as well as security access codes.
- Ensure that firewall rules and anti-virus software are updated to their latest version. Install stronger security software if necessary.
- Follow ransomware prevention protocols so that future attacks can be avoided.
If you are interested in protecting your business or company from many cyber security threats, you can call Micro Strategies at their toll-free number, 888-467-6588. We are a company that specializes in business, IT, and security solutions. We are located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New England, and New York. Our team will assess your business and recommend a fantastic plan that best meets your business needs
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