Ransomware is a significant problem today for private computer users but also large companies. This is because more and more cybercriminals are developing software that encrypts files on your computer. This software is often for sale as a ready-made package on websites that are often visited by cybercriminals. Ransomware is, therefore, a significant problem.
If you are affected by a ransomware attack, then specific files on your computer have been encrypted. Software called ransomware often encrypts personal files, think images, video files, and documents. After encrypting the files, a ransom is demanded.
To unlock the files, cryptocurrency is requested, for example, bitcoin or monero. Cybercriminals demand cryptocurrencies because the crypto transactions can often be performed anonymously, and therefore, it is difficult to find out who is responsible for the ransomware attack.
It is important to note that if you are a victim of ransomware, you can do several things. First of all, you should investigate if you have backup files. If you have a backup, the fastest way to get rid of the ransomware is to restore a full backup of your entire operating system. If you only have a file backup on a NAS or external hard drive, it is vital that you first free Windows from the ransomware file. This is where this information can help you.
This information cannot recover your encrypted files. A specific key can only recover files encrypted by ransomware that you often need to obtain from the cybercriminals. I never recommend paying for a ransomware attack. If you are an individual, you are perpetuating the crime.
Remove ransomware with this free tool
To start, you need to download software that can detect and remove the ransomware file. It is often a payload file; this is a file that the ransomware downloads to your computer and only then proceeds to encrypt personal files on your computer or network.
This ransomware payload file you need to remove from your computer if you only want to restore some files to your computer from a backup you have. Thus, this software cannot recover your encrypted files.
Download Malwarebytes for free (Malwarebytes will be downloaded directly to your computer). Malwarebytes is fully functional in combination with already preinstalled antivirus software.
If you have downloaded Malwarebytes, then install Malwarebytes using the installation procedure. No technical knowledge is required.
To start removing ransomware on your computer, click on the Scan button in the Malwarebytes start screen.
Just wait for Malwarebytes to finish detecting ransomware files on your computer.
If the ransomware is detected, then you will get the below message from it. Click on the Quarantine button to remove the ransomware payload file from your computer.
A restart of the computer may be required.
The ransomware file is now successfully and completely removed from your computer. I recommend that you check for Windows updates and do not download any illegal software to your computer and do not open unknown documents send to you by e-mail.
Most Windows computers are affected by ransomware when the Windows operating system does not have the latest Windows updates. Cybercriminals then exploit a flaw in Windows to gain access to your computer and install ransomware to persuade you to pay for encrypted personal computer files.
In 2020, 51% of businesses were targeted by ransomware (source).
Globally, there was a 40% increase in ransomware attacks, to 199.7 million hits.
By the end of 2020, the cost of ransomware for all companies was expected to reach $20 billion, and the average ransomware payment demand was $233,817 in Q3 2020. So, in short, be careful next time!
