How to recover files from ransomware using antivirus tools
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작성자 Rory Tibbetts 댓글 0건 조회 2회 작성일 25-11-05 23:16본문
Ransomware is one of the most destructive forms of cyberattacks, locking or encrypting your files and demanding payment for their release. Victims often panic, but paying the ransom is never recommended—it doesn’t guarantee recovery and only funds future attacks. Fortunately, with the right antivirus tools and softwarepair recovery steps, you can often remove the infection and restore at least part of your data safely.
This guide explains how to recover files from ransomware using antivirus tools, along with best practices to prevent future infections.
1. Understand the Nature of Ransomware
Ransomware typically encrypts your files or locks your system, displaying a ransom note demanding cryptocurrency payment. There are two main types:
Locker ransomware: Locks access to your computer or device but doesn’t encrypt files.
Crypto ransomware: Encrypts your files so they can’t be opened without a decryption key.
Knowing which type you’re dealing with helps determine the recovery method.
2. Isolate the Infected System Immediately
Before attempting recovery, disconnect the infected device from the internet and local networks. This prevents the ransomware from spreading or contacting its control server.
Steps:
Disconnect from Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable.
Disable shared folders and drives.
Avoid using external drives or USBs until the infection is removed.
3. Remove the Ransomware Using Antivirus or Anti-Malware Tools
Many modern antivirus suites include ransomware removal features that can detect, quarantine, and eliminate malicious files.
Recommended antivirus tools include:
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – Known for advanced ransomware remediation and recovery modules.
Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool – Free and lightweight, specifically targets ransomware behavior.
Malwarebytes Premium – Strong ransomware detection and quarantine capabilities.
Norton 360 – Offers ransomware protection and automatic cloud backup options.
Steps to remove ransomware:
Boot your PC into Safe Mode with Networking.
Run a full system scan using your antivirus software.
Allow the tool to quarantine or remove all detected threats.
Restart your computer normally once the scan is complete.
Removing the ransomware ensures that no additional files get encrypted and prevents reinfection.
4. Use Antivirus Tools’ File Recovery or Decryption Features
Some antivirus programs offer file recovery or decryption utilities that can help restore your files if they were encrypted by known ransomware variants.
For example:
Kaspersky RannohDecryptor – Can decrypt files affected by certain ransomware families (e.g., Cryakl, Polyglot).
Emsisoft Decryptor Tools – Provides a range of free decryptors for different ransomware strains.
Bitdefender Decryptor Tools – Frequently updated to include the latest ransomware variants.
To use these:
Identify the ransomware name (from the ransom note or file extension).
Visit the antivirus provider’s decryptor page.
Download and run the specific decryptor tool.
Follow on-screen instructions to attempt file decryption.
Note: Not all ransomware can be decrypted—some use advanced encryption algorithms that remain unbreakable without the attacker’s key. In those cases, recovery depends on backups or shadow copies.
5. Try Restoring Files from Backups or Shadow Copies
If decryption tools don’t work, you can try restoring your files from:
Local or cloud backups (OneDrive, Google Drive, external drives).
Windows Shadow Copies using tools like ShadowExplorer (if not deleted by the ransomware).
Always restore to a clean, malware-free environment after removal.
6. Strengthen Future Protection
Once you’ve recovered your files, take proactive measures to prevent future attacks:
Keep antivirus definitions up to date.
Enable real-time ransomware protection in your antivirus settings.
Back up data regularly to both cloud and offline storage.
Avoid clicking unknown links or downloading suspicious attachments.
Update your operating system and applications to patch vulnerabilities.
Final Thoughts
Recovering from a ransomware attack can be stressful, but using reputable antivirus tools greatly improves your chances of safely removing the malware and restoring your files. While not every ransomware strain can be decrypted, antivirus-based removal and file recovery methods are the safest way to regain control of your system without paying a ransom.
This guide explains how to recover files from ransomware using antivirus tools, along with best practices to prevent future infections.
1. Understand the Nature of Ransomware
Ransomware typically encrypts your files or locks your system, displaying a ransom note demanding cryptocurrency payment. There are two main types:
Locker ransomware: Locks access to your computer or device but doesn’t encrypt files.
Crypto ransomware: Encrypts your files so they can’t be opened without a decryption key.
Knowing which type you’re dealing with helps determine the recovery method.
2. Isolate the Infected System Immediately
Before attempting recovery, disconnect the infected device from the internet and local networks. This prevents the ransomware from spreading or contacting its control server.
Steps:
Disconnect from Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable.
Disable shared folders and drives.
Avoid using external drives or USBs until the infection is removed.
3. Remove the Ransomware Using Antivirus or Anti-Malware Tools
Many modern antivirus suites include ransomware removal features that can detect, quarantine, and eliminate malicious files.
Recommended antivirus tools include:
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – Known for advanced ransomware remediation and recovery modules.
Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool – Free and lightweight, specifically targets ransomware behavior.
Malwarebytes Premium – Strong ransomware detection and quarantine capabilities.
Norton 360 – Offers ransomware protection and automatic cloud backup options.
Steps to remove ransomware:
Boot your PC into Safe Mode with Networking.
Run a full system scan using your antivirus software.
Allow the tool to quarantine or remove all detected threats.
Restart your computer normally once the scan is complete.
Removing the ransomware ensures that no additional files get encrypted and prevents reinfection.
4. Use Antivirus Tools’ File Recovery or Decryption Features
Some antivirus programs offer file recovery or decryption utilities that can help restore your files if they were encrypted by known ransomware variants.
For example:
Kaspersky RannohDecryptor – Can decrypt files affected by certain ransomware families (e.g., Cryakl, Polyglot).
Emsisoft Decryptor Tools – Provides a range of free decryptors for different ransomware strains.
Bitdefender Decryptor Tools – Frequently updated to include the latest ransomware variants.
To use these:
Identify the ransomware name (from the ransom note or file extension).
Visit the antivirus provider’s decryptor page.
Download and run the specific decryptor tool.
Follow on-screen instructions to attempt file decryption.
Note: Not all ransomware can be decrypted—some use advanced encryption algorithms that remain unbreakable without the attacker’s key. In those cases, recovery depends on backups or shadow copies.
5. Try Restoring Files from Backups or Shadow Copies
If decryption tools don’t work, you can try restoring your files from:
Local or cloud backups (OneDrive, Google Drive, external drives).
Windows Shadow Copies using tools like ShadowExplorer (if not deleted by the ransomware).
Always restore to a clean, malware-free environment after removal.
6. Strengthen Future Protection
Once you’ve recovered your files, take proactive measures to prevent future attacks:
Keep antivirus definitions up to date.
Enable real-time ransomware protection in your antivirus settings.
Back up data regularly to both cloud and offline storage.
Avoid clicking unknown links or downloading suspicious attachments.
Update your operating system and applications to patch vulnerabilities.
Final Thoughts
Recovering from a ransomware attack can be stressful, but using reputable antivirus tools greatly improves your chances of safely removing the malware and restoring your files. While not every ransomware strain can be decrypted, antivirus-based removal and file recovery methods are the safest way to regain control of your system without paying a ransom.
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