Victims of four file-encrypting malware can retrieve their files

Borg 386 said:

Hit by ransomware? Victims of these four types of file-encrypting malware can now retrieve their files for free | ZDNet

Hi folks

I think we need to keep saying this "AD NAUSEAM" that if you take regular backups with decent FREE software (for example on this Forum FREE MACRIUM is used successfully by loads of users here --there are other similar packages too out there if you want to use something else) then a stand alone restore from a clean image will simply restore your system withjout relying on any "Malware cleansers", Virus cleaning stuff etc etc and usually -- especially if you have an SSD a restore will take maybe 15 mins at the most even with quite modest hardware. Why go through hours of trying to cleanse a computer --you can probably never guarantee it would be 100% cleansed at all.

If you really haven't got a backup then a re-install of Windows is probably the only sure 100% way of ensuring computer is clean.

In future - so long as you have regular clean backups - if anything like Ransomware etc comes up do the following immediately :

1) Hard Power off immediately -- don't do a software shutdown -- switch off immediately --if it's a laptop hold the power switch until the computer powers off --otherwise it might go into standard windows shutdown.

2) Remove all internet connections and USB devices

3) connect your stand alone recovery software and the device your clean system image is stored on.

4) restore

5) remove devices and re-boot computer -- KEEP INTERNET DISCONNECTED.

6) do any checks you have to ensure device is clean. Similarly before connecting any external devices that you normally have attached to your machine check them too.

7) if all OK now connect internet

That's the best way to tell these scammers and low lifes how to GET LOST. !! And it costs ZILCH - so you don't need any kaspersky stuff etc etc to clean your machine.

Cheers
jimbo

Well said Jimbo45.