The 6 most effective ways to recover from a ransomware attack

Ransomware attacks are one of the most devastating cybersecurity threats businesses face today. In 2023, 66% of UK businesses reported being victims of ransomware, with many suffering severe financial and operational damage. Recovering from an attack requires a well-structured approach to minimise downtime and prevent future incidents. Here are the six most effective ways to recover from a ransomware attack.

1. Isolate the Infected Systems

The first step after detecting ransomware is to contain the infection. If left unchecked, the malware can spread across networks and encrypt more files.

What to do:

• Immediately disconnect affected systems from the network.
• Disable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and shared drives to prevent further spread.
• Alert your IT team or a cybersecurity expert for further assessment.

For professional help in containing ransomware threats, consider incident response services.

2. Identify the type of ransomware

Understanding the ransomware variant can help determine whether recovery is possible without paying the ransom.

Steps to take:

• Check the ransom note for details about the ransomware strain.
• Use online tools like No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) to see if a decryption tool is available.
• Report the attack to relevant authorities like the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

3. Restore data from backups

If your business has a solid backup strategy, you can recover encrypted files without paying the ransom.

Key steps:

• Ensure backups are stored offline or in a secure cloud service.
• Use recent backups to restore critical data and systems.
• Verify backups are not infected before restoring files.

Read more on secure backup management to ensure effective disaster recovery.

4. Remove the ransomware

Before restoring data, businesses must ensure all traces of ransomware are removed from affected systems.

How to remove ransomware:

• Run a full scan using advanced antivirus and anti-malware software.
• Manually remove suspicious files if necessary.
• Reinstall operating systems on compromised devices if removal fails.

Using penetration testing can help uncover vulnerabilities that allowed the attack in the first place.

5. Strengthen cybersecurity defences

Once the immediate threat is removed, businesses must strengthen their security to prevent future attacks.

Recommended actions:

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all business accounts.
• Train employees on ransomware prevention and phishing awareness.
• Regularly update software, firewalls, and security patches.

Explore our guide on how to strengthen your cyber defences for long-term protection.

6. Develop a ransomware response plan

Preparing for future incidents ensures faster recovery and minimises damage.

What to include in your plan:

• Step-by-step actions for ransomware detection, containment, and recovery.
• Regular data backup and recovery testing.
• Clear guidelines on reporting and legal obligations.

For a customised strategy, check our cybersecurity compliance services.

Recovering stronger after an attack

Recovering from a ransomware attack requires swift action, thorough investigation, and long-term security improvements. By implementing these six recovery strategies, businesses can minimise downtime, restore critical data, and strengthen their defences.

To enhance your cybersecurity, visit DarkShield for expert support and tailored security solutions.