Ransomware Data Recovery

Manchester Data Recovery: Ransomware Virus Encrypted Files Recovery 

With 25 years of experience, Manchester Data Recovery is the leading provider of Ransomware Data Recovery and Forensic Data Recovery services. Specialising exclusively in data recovery, we have successfully restored data from thousands of ransomware-affected systems. Whether it’s partial encryption, full system lockdown, or encrypted files, we deliver effective solutions tailored to your needs.

Why Choose Manchester Data Recovery for Ransomware Recovery?

• Specialised Expertise: 25 years of exclusive focus on data recovery.
• High Success Rate: Proven track record of recovering data from ransomware attacks.
• Comprehensive Diagnostics: Free evaluation to assess the ransomware infection.
• Forensic Tools: State-of-the-art recovery tools and techniques to ensure maximum success.
• Confidential Service: Your data remains secure and private throughout the process.

Common Ransomware Strains We Recover From

We specialise in decrypting and recovering data from the most prevalent ransomware strains, including:

1. Akira

• First Detected: Early 2023
• Key Features:
  • Targets businesses and large organizations.
  • Employs double extortion tactics, threatening to leak data if the ransom isn’t paid.

2. Royal Ransomware

• First Detected: 2023
• Key Features:
  • Human-operated attacks focusing on enterprises.
  • Uses phishing emails and fake software updates to infiltrate systems.

3. BlackBasta

• First Detected: 2022
• Key Features:
  • Encrypts files and threatens to leak sensitive data.
  • Often deployed through compromised remote desktop protocols (RDP).

4. LockBit 3.0

• First Detected: 2022
• Key Features:
  • Evolution of the LockBit strain, known for its fast encryption.
  • Includes a bug bounty program to improve its attack methods.

5. Vice Society

• First Detected: 2022
• Key Features:
  • Targets schools and healthcare organizations.
  • Known for exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated systems.

6. BlackCat (ALPHV)

• First Detected: 2022
• Key Features:
  • Written in Rust, making it more adaptable to different systems.
  • Uses advanced encryption techniques.

7. Hive Ransomware

• First Detected: 2021
• Key Features:
  • Focuses on healthcare organizations.
  • Known for its aggressive double-extortion tactics.

8. Quantum Locker

• First Detected: 2021
• Key Features:
  • Rapid encryption to minimize the time for detection.
  • Targets enterprise-level systems.

9. Conti

• First Detected: 2021
• Key Features:
  • Large-scale ransomware attacks, often combined with data theft.
  • Used by cybercriminal organizations for targeted attacks.

10. DarkSide

• First Detected: 2021
• Key Features:
  • Responsible for the Colonial Pipeline attack.
  • Focuses on critical infrastructure and large enterprises.

11. REvil (Sodinokibi)

• First Detected: 2020
• Key Features:
  • Sophisticated encryption and widespread attacks.
  • Targets businesses through RDP exploits and phishing.

12. Egregor

• First Detected: 2020
• Key Features:
  • Uses double extortion tactics to demand ransoms.
  • Encrypts data and threatens to leak sensitive information.

13. Avaddon

• First Detected: 2020
• Key Features:
  • Distributed via phishing campaigns.
  • Offers a decryption tool if the ransom is paid promptly.

14. Maze Ransomware

• First Detected: 2019
• Key Features:
  • Among the first to adopt double extortion tactics.
  • Encrypts data and leaks sensitive information online.

15. Ryuk

• First Detected: 2018
• Key Features:
  • Focuses on enterprises and government organizations.
  • Delivered via TrickBot malware or phishing emails.

16. GandCrab

• First Detected: 2018 (Discontinued in 2019)
• Key Features:
  • Pioneered the ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model.
  • Encrypts files and demands ransom in cryptocurrency.

17. WannaCry

• First Detected: 2017
• Key Features:
  • Global ransomware attack exploiting SMBv1 vulnerabilities.
  • Encrypts files and demands Bitcoin payment for decryption.

18. Petya/NotPetya

• First Detected: 2016 (NotPetya in 2017)
• Key Features:
  • Overwrites the Master Boot Record (MBR) for complete system lockdown.
  • Disguised as ransomware but often used for destruction rather than profit.

19. Cerber

• First Detected: 2016
• Key Features:
  • Distributed via exploit kits and phishing emails.
  • Encrypts files and uses a .cerber extension for encrypted files.

20. CryptoLocker

• First Detected: 2013
• Key Features:
  • Early ransomware strain distributed via email attachments.
  • Encrypts files and demands payment for decryption keys.

Forensic Ransomware Recovery Services

1. Ransomware Identification

• Process: Determine the ransomware strain to assess available decryption options.
• Benefits: Tailored solutions based on the specific malware variant.

2. Decryption Tools

• Process: Use decryption tools or develop custom decryption scripts.
• Benefits: Restore files without compromising integrity or structure.

3. Brute Force Decryption

• Process: Employ high-powered computing to crack encryption keys.
• Benefits: Effective for some ransomware strains with weak encryption.

4. Forensic Investigation

• Process: Analyse attack vectors to identify the root cause of the ransomware infection.
• Benefits: Prevent future incidents by identifying vulnerabilities.

5. Shadow Copy Restoration

• Process: Recover previous versions of files from shadow copies.
• Benefits: Restore data without needing decryption in some cases.

6. Analysing Ransomware Flaws

• Process: Explore weaknesses in the ransomware’s encryption algorithm.
• Benefits: Exploit flaws to decrypt data without paying a ransom.

7. Recovering from Alternative Locations

• Process: Locate temporary, cached, or fragmented data across the system.
• Benefits: Recover partial or complete data not affected by the ransomware.

8. Negotiation with Attackers

• Process: Engage with attackers, if absolutely necessary, to obtain decryption keys.
• Benefits: Ensure safe and secure resolution, minimizing ransom demands.

Ransomware Problems That Require Forensic Data Recovery Services

Ransomware attacks often involve complex encryption and system disruptions, making data recovery a challenge. Forensic data recovery companies specialise in addressing such challenges with advanced tools and methodologies. Below are the top ransomware-related problems that typically require our professional forensic recovery services.

1. Encrypted Files

• Problem: Ransomware encrypts all accessible files, rendering them unusable.
• Forensic Recovery: Identify encryption algorithms, use decryption tools, or exploit flaws in the ransomware’s code.

2. Partial Encryption

• Problem: Only parts of files are encrypted, leading to corrupted and inaccessible data.
• Forensic Recovery: Analyse patterns in encryption to recover partial data and repair corrupted files.

3. System Lockdown

• Problem: Ransomware locks the entire operating system, preventing access.
• Forensic Recovery: Bypass the ransomware lock screen to access the system and recover files.

4. Loss of Shadow Copies

• Problem: Ransomware deletes shadow copies, making system restore impossible.
• Forensic Recovery: Use specialised tools to recover shadow copies or other backup data.

5. Overwritten or Deleted Files

• Problem: Files are deleted or overwritten during the encryption process.
• Forensic Recovery: Recover overwritten files by analysing disk sectors and residual data.

6. Ransomware Strain Identification

• Problem: Unknown ransomware strain with no existing decryption tools.
• Forensic Recovery: Analyse malware behaviour and encryption algorithms to develop custom recovery solutions.

7. Corrupted Encryption Keys

• Problem: Encryption keys stored by the ransomware are corrupted, preventing decryption even after ransom payment.
• Forensic Recovery: Attempt brute-force decryption or exploit weaknesses in the ransomware’s code.

8. Malware Remnants Post-Attack

• Problem: Residual malware remains in the system, risking reinfection.
• Forensic Recovery: Perform a thorough forensic scan to identify and remove all traces of ransomware.

9. Damaged System Registry

• Problem: Ransomware modifies or corrupts system registry entries, affecting boot processes.
• Forensic Recovery: Repair registry keys and restore system functionality.

10. Encrypted Backups

• Problem: Ransomware spreads to connected backup drives, encrypting critical backups.
• Forensic Recovery: Isolate infected backups and attempt decryption or reconstruction of data.

11. Bootloader Corruption

• Problem: Ransomware overwrites the bootloader, making the system unbootable.
• Forensic Recovery: Rebuild the bootloader and restore access to the operating system.

12. Master Boot Record (MBR) Overwrite

• Problem: Ransomware replaces the MBR with its code, locking the system.
• Forensic Recovery: Restore the MBR and repair partition structures.

13. Data Exfiltration

• Problem: Ransomware attackers steal sensitive data before encryption.
• Forensic Recovery: Identify compromised files and track exfiltration pathways.

14. Multiple Encryption Layers

• Problem: Files are encrypted multiple times with different keys, complicating recovery.
• Forensic Recovery: Analyse each encryption layer to recover original data.

15. Ransomware in Virtual Machines

• Problem: Ransomware attacks hosted virtual environments, encrypting virtual disks (e.g., VHD, VMDK).
• Forensic Recovery: Extract and decrypt virtual machine files and rebuild virtual environments.

16. Network Propagation

• Problem: Ransomware spreads across the network, encrypting shared files and drives.
• Forensic Recovery: Isolate affected systems, recover encrypted files, and secure the network.

17. Double Extortion Tactics

• Problem: Attackers encrypt files and threaten to leak sensitive data if the ransom isn’t paid.
• Forensic Recovery: Recover encrypted files and analyse the extent of data exfiltration.

18. Corrupted Decryption Tools

• Problem: Provided decryption tools fail to work, leaving data inaccessible even after payment.
• Forensic Recovery: Develop or use alternative decryption tools for recovery.

19. Ransomware Errors

• Problem: Bugs in the ransomware result in incomplete encryption or corruption of original files.
• Forensic Recovery: Repair file corruption and extract recoverable data.

20. Failed Manual Recovery Attempts

• Problem: Previous recovery efforts damage data or increase encryption complexity.
• Forensic Recovery: Use advanced forensic tools to rebuild and recover data without further damage.

Why Forensic Data Recovery Is Essential for Ransomware Cases

• Specialized Expertise: Ransomware recovery involves complex encryption and requires advanced knowledge.
• Minimized Data Loss: Forensic techniques ensure the maximum recovery of data.
• Secure Processes: Protect sensitive information during the recovery process.
• Preventative Insights: Forensic analysis identifies vulnerabilities to prevent future attacks.

Steps to Take After a Ransomware Attack

1. Do Not Pay the Ransom

• Paying may not guarantee decryption and encourages future attacks.

2. Disconnect the Infected System

• Isolate the system from the network to prevent further spread.

3. Preserve the Evidence

• Avoid tampering with files to allow forensic teams to identify vulnerabilities.

4. Contact Manchester Data Recovery

• Our experts can guide you through the recovery process and ensure the best possible outcome.

Our Ransomware Recovery Process

1. Free Diagnostics
   • Evaluate the severity of the ransomware infection.
2. Detailed Analysis
   • Identify the strain, level of encryption, and possible recovery methods.
3. Recovery Execution
   • Use a combination of tools and techniques to decrypt and recover files.
4. Post-Recovery Verification
   • Ensure all files are restored and functional.
5. Data Delivery
   • Return data securely on new storage media or via encrypted transfer.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

• Regular Backups: Keep multiple backups stored offline.
• Update Systems: Ensure all software and operating systems are up-to-date.
• Email Vigilance: Avoid clicking on suspicious email links or attachments.
• Antivirus Protection: Use reliable antivirus and anti-malware solutions.
• Network Security: Employ firewalls and monitor for unusual activity.

Contact Manchester Data Recovery Today

If your system has been affected by ransomware, trust the experts at Manchester Data Recovery. Our team delivers effective and confidential recovery solutions, ensuring your data is restored with minimal disruption.

• Free Diagnostics
• Tailored Recovery Plans
• Fast Turnaround Times

Contact us now to recover your critical data from ransomware attacks.