If you are a constant user of the internet, then you know how deeply Ransomware can affect your files. The virus targets your files and notably encrypts their data, and the only way you can escape it is by paying a ransom.
The two common ways through which ransomware may infiltrate you’re your device, mainly a Microsoft 365, include:
- You receive an email containing a malicious link or attachment. The ransomware is then launched when you open the attachment or click on the link.
- If your system is vulnerable to ransomware, the virus delivers a malicious network packet to your machine and exposes it to the threat.
There is an increasing ransomware attack across the globe, and the attack can create massive havoc in your life. Over 150 countries have reported cases of ransom attacks, including America, Australia, Canada, and so on. The good news, you can now recover data from a corrupted hard disk.
When this virus attacks your files, they are soon encrypted. Once your data is encrypted in this manner by the virus, you will see a screen message stating, for instance:
- “All your data has been encrypted or locked. To decrypt your data, kindly pay us $500.”
- “A virus has infiltrated your computer. To fix the problem, go here.”
- “Your computer’s files are encrypted. To regain access to your data, you must pay the ransom within 72 hours.”
Can I Recover My Ransomware Infected Data?
Many people ask whether there is a way to decrypt and perform a successful hard drive data recovery after this kind of attack. The answer is clearly yes!
The first step many people will quickly think of is to pay the ransom and get back your data immediately. Or wait and pay a considerable Ransom later after the amount doubles up.
All in all, you can still recover your data for free. We will discuss how to do this in just a short while. But first, look at some of the precautions to take in case of this kind of virus attack.
Precautions To Take When Ransomware encrypts your Files
- Disconnect your computer from all the networks and internet connections.
- Do not attempt to run any Antivirus or Antimalware in the affected system.
- Do not shut down the computer safely, but you can force shutdown by using the power button or turning off the primary power source.
- Do not attempt to use the affected hard drive on any other computer.
How To Recover Ransomware Encrypted Files In Windows 10
Method 1: Expert Method
Windows Data Recovery Software is one of the best and expert hard drive repair software to use and recover infected files from a hard drive. The tool can recover important files such as videos, music, documents, pictures, and many other objects from the ransomware-infected hard drive.
Besides, the tool can also help keep the original structure of the files intact. The tool supports file formats such as NTFS and FAT, and you can easily use it to extract and save particular folders from the retrieved deleted HTML files.
Follow the steps below:
- Download and install it on your computer
- You should see a detailed view of your files in the panel
- Move to the location where you need to store the recovered files
- Save the files to the location you have chosen
The other tool you can reliably use is the Disk Drill developed by CleverFiles. Besides restoring files from ransomware infected hard drive, it can also recover files from a corrupted hard disk.
Method 2: Restore From Backup
The second method to recover files after a ransomware attack is the use of backups. If you had a backup on your Windows 10 before this incident, this could be one of the quickest methods.
Also, your system must meet the following conditions:
- You must have a recent version of your data and programs that do not include the virus your system is currently infected with
- Ensure the ransomware has been removed before proceeding with the system restore to recover the files. You can achieve this by resetting the system to factory defaults.
Method 3: Restore From Previous Versions
This method will also recover deleted files from a hard drive. Follow the steps below to complete the system restore.
- Find the directory of your data. Right-click the file and select “Properties.”
- Click the “Previous Versions” option on the window that appears.
- If you do not see the previous version tab, you will need to install the client or talk to your support for help.
- When a list of snapshots of the available files appears, select the snapshot that reflects the most recent known good version of the file.
- Tap “View” to confirm that the version is the proper one
- You can then save the file by tapping “File” followed by “Save As.”
- If using Windows 7, tap on the “Restore” tab to recover the files.
