Ransomware Data Recovery
Files encrypted by ransomware? Before you pay, let us evaluate your options. Many ransomware variants have free decryptors, and shadow copy recovery, temp file scanning, and unallocated space analysis can recover files without paying a cent to the attackers.
Do NOT do any of these:
• Do NOT pay the ransom without consulting us first — many variants have free decryptors
• Do NOT run antivirus/malware removal before recovery — it may delete decryptable files
• Do NOT reinstall Windows or format the drive — this destroys shadow copies and remnants
• Do NOT write new files to the infected drive — this overwrites recoverable originals
• Do NOT restart the machine multiple times — encryption may continue on reboot
Recovery Approaches We Use
We exhaust every non-payment option before advising on anything else.
Shadow Volume Copy Recovery
Windows VSS (Volume Shadow Copies) often survive ransomware attacks, especially when the ransomware variant doesn't specifically target them. We extract files from shadow copies before they're overwritten.
Temp File & Partial Recovery
Many ransomware variants encrypt files and leave originals in temp directories or only partially encrypt large files. We scan for unencrypted originals and partially recoverable data.
Backup Restoration
If you have any backup — Time Machine, Windows Backup, cloud sync, or external drive — we help you identify the cleanest restore point and recover data without paying the ransom.
Known Decryptors
For identified ransomware families with publicly available decryption keys (released by law enforcement or security researchers), we apply the appropriate decryptor to your encrypted files.
Unallocated Space Recovery
Ransomware often deletes originals after encryption. We scan unallocated drive space for file remnants using file carving techniques — recovering photos, documents, and other files from deleted originals.
Malware Removal & System Hardening
After recovery, we remove the ransomware completely, patch the attack vector, and implement endpoint protection to prevent re-infection. We also help set up proper backup systems.
FAQ
Should I pay the ransomware ransom?
We recommend consulting us before paying. Many ransomware families have free decryptors available from security researchers or law enforcement. Payment doesn't guarantee decryption, and many victims who pay receive a broken decryptor or none at all. We evaluate your specific strain and advise on the best path.
What ransomware variants can you recover from?
We work with known variants where decryptors exist (Emsisoft, No More Ransom project, etc.), and attempt partial recovery from all variants using shadow copies, temp files, and unallocated space scanning. We tell you upfront what's recoverable before you spend anything.
My entire business network is encrypted — what do I do?
Isolate all infected machines from the network immediately — unplug ethernet, disable Wi-Fi. Do not power anything off yet (shadow copies live in RAM-backed snapshots on some systems). Call us immediately for emergency triage.
Can files be recovered if the ransomware also deleted the originals?
Sometimes. Many ransomware strains use Windows' standard delete API (not secure erase), leaving recoverable traces in unallocated space. We scan for these before any formatting or reinstallation.
How much does ransomware recovery cost?
Pricing depends on the affected devices, available recovery options, and remediation required. We discuss scope and provide an estimate before starting. Recovery is not guaranteed.