A ransomware attack can feel like a ticking time bomb—bringing normal operations to a standstill, compromising sensitive data, and demanding hefty payouts. The cost? An average of over half a million dollars in expenses, not to mention reputational damage and lost productivity.
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to be a victim. By taking the right steps, you can minimize damage, avoid paying the ransom, and ensure a swift recovery.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through five crucial steps to recover from a ransomware attack and strengthen your disaster recovery plan, so your business can bounce back stronger than ever.
Ransomware remediation is the process of identifying, containing, and removing ransomware from infected systems. A well-prepared remediation plan ensures a quick recovery of affected devices with minimal downtime, helping businesses avoid costly disruptions.
Without a solid Ransomware Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP), remediation can be expensive, time-consuming, and chaotic. That’s why we’ve outlined five key steps to help you navigate the process effectively.
A strong disaster recovery plan (DRP) goes beyond just reacting to an attack. This ensures your business can withstand and recover from cyber threats with minimal disruption. Implementing the following five steps can significantly improve your ransomware resilience and overall cybersecurity posture.
If you believe your system has been infected with ransomware, you should immediately disable any transactions or logins online. It's possible that the hacker already has access to this information, but if not, you don't want to give them more leverage.
Next, identify the device(s) infected with the ransomware. Some signs to look for that could indicate a device is infected are:
Decreased battery life
Lower than usual system performance
Unrecognizable software installed
New and unfamiliar accounts created
Suspicious amounts or types of network traffic
Backups that have been changed or deleted
Random spikes in disk activity
If ransomware has tampered with your backups, the financial impact can be devastating. Ensuring secure, immutable backups of affected systems is essential to minimizing risks.
Once identified, quarantine the infected device(s) to prevent the ransomware and malware from spreading across your network. Here’s how:
Disconnect the device from Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
If multiple systems and windows server are affected, consider taking the network offline at the switch level.
Isolate critical business systems to maintain essential operations.
Even after isolation, hackers may still have access to compromised devices, so monitor network activity closely.
Ransomware comes in various forms, and effective remediation depends on identifying the specific strain. Common types include:
Crypto Ransomware: Encrypts files and demands a ransom for decryption.
Scareware: Fake software that bombards users with warnings and demands payment.
Locker Ransomware: Locks users out of their system, restricting access to critical functions.
Understanding the attack type will help guide the appropriate response strategy.
Ransomware remediation can be handled in a number of ways, and determining which option is best for your organization will boil down to available resources. Some options you might consider include:
Trying to remove the infection yourself
Recovering from unaltered backups
Utilizing a Ransomware Recovery as a Service Provider
Paying the ransom
In 2022, 59% of businesses refused to pay ransom demands, citing concerns about reliability and compliance with cyber insurance requirements. Investing in robust backup strategies can eliminate the need for payment altogether.
After containing the threat, report the incident to the proper channels:
Law enforcement (FBI, CISA, U.S. Secret Service)
Internal and external stakeholders (employees, partners, customers)
Cyber insurance providers (if applicable)
Having a transparent communication strategy ensures regulatory compliance and maintains trust with stakeholders.
Even after successfully mitigating an attack, your organization must take proactive steps to prevent future incidents. Strengthening your defenses requires a multi-layered security approach that reduces vulnerabilities, improves response times, and enhances overall resilience of business operations.
Here are key strategies to using security software to fortify your organization against ransomware threats:
Cybercriminals often exploit unpatched vulnerabilities in software, outdated systems, and misconfigured networks. Conduct routine vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and eliminate security gaps before attackers can exploit them. Implement a continuous monitoring strategy to detect suspicious activities in real time.
Having secure, immutable backups is one of the most effective ways to recover from a ransomware attack without paying a ransom. To maximize protection from your backup strategy:
Follow the 3-2-1 rule: Keep three copies of your data on two different media, with one copy stored offsite.
Use air-gapped backups that are disconnected from the network to prevent ransomware from spreading.
Regularly test your backup restoration process to ensure data integrity and swift recovery.
Endpoints—such as laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, are common entry points for ransomware. Protect them with:
Next-generation antivirus (NGAV) and endpoint detection & response (EDR) solutions to detect and contain threats.
Application whitelisting, which allows only approved programs to run on company devices.
Regular software updates and patch management to fix known security vulnerabilities.
Human error is one of the leading causes of ransomware infections, often through phishing emails or malicious downloads. Build a strong security culture by:
Providing regular security awareness training on phishing scams, social engineering tactics, and safe browsing practices.
Conducting simulated phishing tests to educate employees on spotting and reporting suspicious emails.
Encouraging a zero-trust mindset, where employees verify requests before sharing sensitive information.
Proactive threat detection can prevent ransomware attacks from taking hold in your environment. Consider:
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services for real-time threat analysis and rapid incident response.
Zero Trust Security Architecture, where all network users and devices must be authenticated before accessing systems.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems to analyze security data and detect anomalies.
Managing cybersecurity internally can be complex and resource-intensive. A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) can provide:
24/7 security monitoring and incident response to detect threats before they escalate.
Proactive risk management strategies tailored to your organization’s needs.
Compliance support to ensure adherence to industry regulations and cybersecurity frameworks.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of ransomware attacks and build a more resilient network security posture.
Ransomware attacks are inevitable, but business disruption doesn’t have to be. With the right strategy, you can protect your data, minimize downtime, and maintain operational resilience.
At Tec-Refresh, we specialize in comprehensive ransomware recovery and cybersecurity solutions that safeguard critical systems in your network and ensure rapid incident response.
Don’t wait until an attack happens. Protect your business today. Contact us now to fortify your defenses and ensure a seamless ransomware remediation strategy!
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that locks users out of their systems or encrypts their files until a ransom is paid. Attackers often use fear tactics to gain access and pressure victims into paying, but there is no guarantee that access will be restored.
Organizations can reduce their risk by maintaining secure, offline backups of critical data, regularly updating software and operating systems to patch vulnerabilities, and educating employees on how to recognize phishing attempts and other common attack methods.
Paying the ransom is generally discouraged because there is no guarantee that attackers will provide the decryption key. It also encourages further criminal activity and may have legal implications depending on jurisdiction.
If you suspect a ransomware infection, immediately disconnect infected devices from the network to prevent further spread. Assess the scope of the attack by determining which systems and data have been compromised. Report the incident to the proper authorities and seek expert assistance for remediation.
The best way to recover is by restoring systems from secure, unaltered backups. If secure backups are unavailable or compromised, working with cybersecurity professionals or ransomware recovery services may help decrypt data or rebuild systems. A well-prepared disaster recovery plan is essential for minimizing downtime and financial losses.