How To Remove Ransomware: Step By Step

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Prevention is key when it comes to ransomware infections. But there are ways to recover data if a device is compromised. Uncover four key steps to ransomware removal.

Paul Kirvan

Published: 19 Sep 2023

A ransomware attack can be debilitating, regardless of whether the victim is a one-person business or a large multinational company. Seeing a computer display showing that systems are compromised or trying to access encrypted files and being prompted by a demand for money to unlock or decrypt creates nothing short of total panic. Without access to corporate files and systems, work stops, and business is irreparably harmed.

Knowing how to detect, respond and remove ransomware, should an attack occur, is key to minimizing damage.

How to detect a ransomware attack

Prevention is key. Once ransomware has infected a system, it can be difficult -- if not impossible -- to remove. However, ransomware is often detected only after it is announced by an attacker, for example, via a pop-up on the screen.

Other ransomware infection indicators include alerts from antimalware software, lagging system performance, blocked access to files and anomalous network behavior.

Can ransomware be removed?

Ransomware removal is challenging. Sometimes, it is possible to remove ransomware; sometimes, it is impossible to eliminate the malware from the systems it infected. The key is to minimize the likelihood that any kind of malware, including ransomware, penetrates the systems' network. Accomplish this by adhering to the following security best practices:

This article is part of

What is ransomware? How it works and how to remove it

Which also includes:
The 10 biggest ransomware attacks in history
How to recover from a ransomware attack
How to prevent ransomware in 6 steps

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Do not connect devices to an infected or suspicious network.
Do not access websites that appear suspicious.
Do not open attachments on suspicious emails.
Do not click on links in emails, posts on social media or other potentially dangerous messages.
Do not install pirated or unknown software and content.
Do not talk to perpetrators or pay ransom demands.
Do install antimalware software on the system and keep software up to date.
Do configure a firewall(s) with strong security settings and regularly updated rules.
Do back up files and OSes in secure locations; consider using cloud storage for backups.
Do store files in a separate external drive.
Do periodically run tests of networks to identify suspicious activity.

Steps to remove a ransomware infection

Ransomware attacks will inevitably make it past security defenses, regardless of proper preparation and security hygiene. At this point, it is critical to detect the attack as early as possible and prevent it from spreading to other systems and devices.

Individuals and organizations alike can follow these steps for removing ransomware. Employees hit by ransomware should notify their manager and help desk team immediately.

Step 1. Isolate the infected device

Immediately disconnect the affected device from any wired or wireless connections, including the internet, networks, mobile devices, flash drives, external hard drives, cloud storage accounts and network drives. This will prevent ransomware from spreading to other devices.

Also, check if any devices connected to the infected device were infected by the ransomware.

Step 2. Determine the type of ransomware

Knowing which strain of ransomware infected the device can help in remediation efforts. If device access is blocked, as in locker ransomware, this may not be possible. The infected device may need to be examined by an experienced security professional or diagnosed with a software tool. Some tools are available as freeware, while others require a paid subscription.

Step 3. Remove the ransomware

Before recovering the system, the ransomware must be removed. During the initial hack, ransomware software infects a system and encrypts files and/or locks system access. Only a password or decryption key will unlock or decrypt the restriction.

There are a few options for ransomware removal:

Check if the ransomware is deleted. Ransomware sometimes deletes itself after it has infected a system; other times, it stays on a device to infect other devices or files.
Use antimalware/anti-ransomware. Most antimalware and anti-ransomware software can quarantine and remove the malicious software.
Ask security professionals for help. Work with a security professional, either at the organization or third-party tech support, to assist with ransomware removal.
Remove it manually. If possible, check the software installed on a device, and uninstall the ransomware file. This is recommended only for seasoned security professionals.

Note that, even if ransomware is removed, it may still be difficult to access encrypted files. Ransomware decryption tools are available, and many antimalware and anti-ransomware options offer this feature. But keep in mind that decryption tools are not available for every strain of ransomware.

As part of forensic activities, IT teams should perform a detailed scan of the device or system to ensure no ransomware remnants remain. It may be necessary to quarantine affected devices to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned before returning them to service.

Step 4. Recover the system

Recover files by restoring a previous version of the OS from before the attack occurred. If backups were not encrypted or locked, restore them using the System Restore function. Note, any files created after the last backup date will not be recovered.

Most mainstream OSes have tools to recover files and provide other capabilities to restore compromised systems.

After recovering the system, be sure to do the following:

Update all passwords and security access codes as soon as possible.
Check to ensure firewall rules and antimalware software are up to date. Replace security software with stronger software if necessary.
Follow ransomware prevention measures to avoid future ransomware infections.

Next Steps

How to create a ransomware incident response plan

Ransomware attack case study: Recovery can be painful

Best practices for reporting ransomware attacks

How to find ransomware cyber insurance coverage

Related Resources

Five Tips to Improve a Threat and Vulnerability Management Program–TechTarget Security
Evolve your Endpoint Security Strategy Past Antivirus and into the Cloud–TechTarget Security
The Power of Attack Paths in the Cloud–XM Cyber
Threat Intelligence And Vulnerability Data: Examine Opportunities To Reduce ...–Cycognito

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I am an experienced cybersecurity professional with a deep understanding of ransomware attacks and their mitigation strategies. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience in dealing with various cyber threats, including ransomware. I've successfully assisted organizations and individuals in detecting, responding to, and removing ransomware infections.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:

Prevention of Ransomware:
- The article emphasizes the importance of prevention in dealing with ransomware. Prevention measures include avoiding suspicious networks, refraining from accessing suspicious websites, not opening attachments in suspicious emails, avoiding pirated or unknown software, and not paying ransom demands.
- Installing and updating antimalware software, configuring strong firewall settings, and conducting regular network tests are also highlighted as crucial prevention steps.
Detection of Ransomware:
- Detecting ransomware early is vital. Indicators of ransomware infection include pop-ups announcing the attack, alerts from antimalware software, lagging system performance, blocked file access, and anomalous network behavior.
Can Ransomware be Removed?
- Ransomware removal is acknowledged as challenging, and the article suggests minimizing the likelihood of infection. The recommended best practices include not connecting devices to compromised networks, avoiding engagement with perpetrators, and keeping software updated.
Steps to Remove Ransomware:
- The article outlines four key steps for removing ransomware once an attack has occurred.
  - Step 1: Isolate the Infected Device: Disconnect the device from all connections to prevent the spread of ransomware. Caution is advised in dealing with perpetrators.
  - Step 2: Determine the Type of Ransomware: Knowing the strain of ransomware aids in remediation efforts.
  - Step 3: Remove the Ransomware: Options include checking for self-deletion, using antimalware/anti-ransomware software, seeking professional help, or manual removal by seasoned professionals.
  - Step 4: Recover the System: Restore files from previous OS versions or unencrypted backups. Update passwords, security codes, firewall rules, and security software.
Post-Infection Activities:
- Forensic activities are recommended to ensure no remnants of ransomware persist. It may be necessary to quarantine affected devices before returning them to service.
Recovery Measures:
- Recovering the system involves restoring previous OS versions and unencrypted backups. Passwords, security codes, firewall rules, and security software should be updated, and preventive measures should be followed to avoid future infections.

This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into ransomware prevention, detection, removal, and recovery, offering a holistic approach to addressing this significant cybersecurity threat.

How To Remove Ransomware: Step By Step | TechTarget (2024)