NYC IT Consulting Firm
Ransomware Removal
Waterbury, CT
Got ransomware?
Proudly serving Waterbury for over 20 years
W. O’Donnell Consulting is your trusted local ransomware removal solutions and support services company in the Waterbury, CT area. If you’ve been infected with ransomware, we’ll get rid of it fast, and ensure you’re protected from future attacks. Contact us today to learn more.
Ransomware Removal 101
Ransom malware, or ransomware, is a serious threat to digital security across an entire business enterprise. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting servers to infect computer networks, locking the system files and demanding a monetary payment as ransom to restore the system. Variations of ransomware originated back in the late 1980s, and over the years it has only evolved to be smarter and more invasive.
Know the types of ransomware
There are several variations of ransomware that range widely in complexity and threat level. Three of the most common types of ransomware are scareware, screen lockers and encrypting ransomware.
Scareware
Scareware is a common ransomware attack that manifests as a popup window or screen that tries to pressure or intimidate users into purchasing a cybersecurity software. Users are generally able to operate their computer system. However, the scare tactics or inconvenience of the popup may persuade them to pay for a fraudulent service.
Screen lockers
A screen locker is another type of ransomware that completely locks users out of their computer. Screen lockers are more serious than scareware because they often imitate or pretend to be an official authority in order to coerce users to recover their system.
Research your OS
Typically, the most dangerous form of ransomware is encrypting ransomware. With this security threat, cybercriminals are able to access and encrypt the individual files on a computer, which makes it nearly impossible to recover.
Responding to a ransomware attack
Prioritize protection over removal
The easiest way to remove ransomware is to avoid getting infected in the first place. This can be done by staying informed on the current popular ransomware schemes and how to avoid them.
Don’t pay the ransom
To pay or not to pay is the question, especially given the array of conflicting advice around best practices about ransomware removal. However, the FBI and cybersecurity experts generally argue that it does not pay to pony up for a ransom. There is no guarantee that malicious attackers will even play fairly and agree to the terms of removing the ransomware.
Instead, contact the FBI or federal law enforcement agency about any suspected malware or ransomware attacks. Spreading malware is a federal crime and cybersecurity agents may have experience dealing with similar schemes and have the technical expertise to properly remove the ransomware.
Keep your system running, disconnect from the network
An infected computer might be at risk of spreading malware to other connected computers, so it is important to disconnect a target device from the network.
However, turning off or rebooting the computer system is not recommended because that can lock the operating system and permanently block files from being accessed or recovered.
Research your OS
There are technological solutions that can remove ransomware or assist in file recovery, but the operating system of an underlying computer impacts the ability. For example, ransomware removal for a Mac can be much more difficult than ransomware removal for a PC.
To learn more about the most effective ways to remove ransomware and protect against malware threats, contact W. O’Donnell Consulting.
Free Consultation and Discussion
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how this solution can help your organization reduce its risk profile by better protecting your network and data.
Application Whitelisting
- Allow only authorized software, scripts, executables, to run/execute on servers and endpoints
- ‘Default Deny’ approach protects your network
- Peace of mind knowing that new malware/ransomware cannot run on your network
Mobile Device Security & Encryption
- Mobile device VPN solutions
- Mobile device encryption solutions
- Mobile device secure browsing solutions
- Microsoft Intune
Best in Class
We are aware that a wide array of technology vendors exist and painstakingly look for and test best-in-class emerging solutions to ensure your business makes the right choice.
We are dedicated to our clients and doing what is in their best interest. Our goal is to implement technology that is proven, affordable and actually works for the benefit of our clients.
Experience
We have consulted on and managed numerous IT projects, including large-scale international projects. Call us to discuss your initiatives and leverage our experience to benefit you.
We’d love the opportunity to speak with you and learn more about your business’s technology needs and objectives–Contact us today to setup a free consultation.