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A ransomware virus is loose in the system! Now what?

• 08 September 2023
• by: Max Thorsell
• in: Cybersecurity
• note: no comments

In our increasingly online world, the threat of cyberattacks is a constant concern. One particularly menacing form of cyber threat is the cryptovirus, also known as ransomware. This malicious software can lock you out of your own system and demand a hefty ransom for access to your files, usually an amount in the tens of thousands of dollars! If you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation, it’s essential to know what steps to take to minimize damage and protect your data. Let’s walk through the steps together.

1. Isolate Infected Systems: The moment you suspect a cryptovirus infection, disconnect the infected computer from your network. Power it off, unplug the internet cable, disconnect the WiFi, whatever you have to do to minimize the spread, do it, and do it fast! This prevents the virus from spreading to other devices and servers on your network. Isolation is crucial to limit the damage and contain the infection. The longer the virus can run free in your network, the worse off your company will be.
2. Don’t Pay the Ransom: It’s tempting to pay the ransom to regain access to your files quickly, but it’s highly discouraged. There’s no guarantee that the hackers will unlock your data, and paying them only encourages their criminal activities. Focus on finding alternative solutions. Often times the criminals will take the payment and disappear, leaving you with no recourse!
3. Identify the Cryptovirus: Determine which variant of ransomware has infected your system, if possible. Some ransomware strains have decryption tools available, while others do not. Knowing the specific variant can help cybersecurity experts in your efforts to recover your data.
4. Report the Incident: Contact your IT department or a cybersecurity expert to report the attack immediately! They can help assess the extent of the infection and provide guidance on the next steps. It’s also essential to report the attack to law enforcement agencies, such as your local police and the FBI.
5. Restore from Backup: If you have regularly backed up your data as recommended, restoring your system may be the most effective way to recover. Ensure that your backup is clean and unaffected by the ransomware before proceeding with the restoration. This is why routine backups are critical. Be sure to check the backups before restoring however as some ransomware viruses infiltrate backups too.
6. Scan and Clean Affected Systems: Once you’ve restored your system, run a thorough antivirus and anti-malware scan to remove any remnants of the cryptovirus. Ensure that your software is up-to-date to defend against future threats.
7. Enhance Security Measures: Strengthen your cybersecurity measures to prevent future attacks. Regularly update your operating system and software, employ robust security software, and constantly educate your employees about the dangers of phishing emails and suspicious downloads.
8. Consider Professional Help: Depending on the complexity of the attack, you might need to consult with a cybersecurity specialist or a digital forensics expert. They can help with the investigation and provide insights into how the attack occurred, aiding in further protection. Here at Shammam, we have multiple cybersecurity experts who can assist with this.
9. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats and trends. Knowledge is your best defense against future attacks. Regularly educate yourself and your team on how to recognize and respond to potential threats.
10. Backup, Backup, Backup: We can’t stress this enough. Regularly backup your data to a secure location, preferably offline or in the cloud with robust security measures. A solid backup strategy can save you from data loss in the event of a cryptovirus attack. Regular backups can be the difference between a few hours downtime and catastrophic data loss.

In conclusion, dealing with a cryptovirus infection is a challenging and stressful situation. However, by following these steps and being proactive in your cybersecurity efforts, you can minimize the damage and protect your valuable data. Remember, prevention is the best defense, so invest in robust security measures to avoid falling victim to cryptovirus attacks in the first place. Give our experts at Shammam Consulting a call today to see how you can better protect your business network from ransomware threats!