Ransomware is crippling businesses worldwide, with attacks skyrocketing in recent years. Over 37% of global organizations suffered ransomware infection last year, costing them over $20 billion in damages.
This comprehensive guide explores the top 10+ ransomware removal and decryption tools to deal with such threats. Follow these best practices and software to scan, terminate and eliminate ransomware strains trying to infect your system.
A Quick Look at Key Ransomware Stats:
| Percentage of companies suffering ransomware attacks | 37% |
| Companies with over 40% chance of immediate encryption upon infection | 98% |
| Cyber insurance claims related to ransomware in 2020 | $100 million |
| Projected costs of ransomware by 2031 | $265 billion/year |
Overview: Types of Ransomware Threatening Users
Ransomware belongs to a family of malicious software that denies access to a computer system or data until a ransom amount is paid. Major types include:
Encrypting ransomware – Encrypts documents, images, databases and blocks system access until you pay the ransom to get a decryption key. Most common form of ransomware.
Prominent examples: WannaCry, CryptoLocker, CryptoWall etc.
Locker ransomware – Locks you out of computer by blocking the screen or locking operating system functions. Demands ransom payment to restore access.
Prominent examples: Scambook Locker, Power Locker, MegaLocker etc.
Doxware – Steals private data and threatens to publish it publicly online unless ransom is paid.
Prominent examples: Lorenz, Avaddon, Maze, Egregor etc.
Doxware incidents increased by nearly 50% last year.
Ransomware keeps evolving into more sophisticated strains making it crucial to secure systems proactively. This guide covers the industry’s top anti-ransomware and decryption tools for foolproof protection.
But before getting to available security solutions, it is vital to understand…
Why Should You NOT Pay the Ransom?
Tempting as it may seem, security experts strongly advise against paying ransom for multiple reasons:
It encourages more ransomware attacks: Paying ransom signals to cybercriminals that their schemes are profitable. This further incentivizes such extortion campaigns.
No guarantee of recovering data: Even after paying, you are trusting criminal actors to provide working decryption keys. Oftentimes files remain locked despite payment.
Funds illegal activities: Ransom money goes towards financing malicious hacking campaigns and is difficulty to track by legal agencies.
Technically risky: Paying ransom often involves navigating complex channels like cryptocurrency transfers which carry their own security risks.
Rather than lining criminals’ pockets and hoping for data recovery, immediate focus should be on removing infections using ransomware security software covered next…
Ransomware Detection Tools
If you suspect ransomware infection, first scan your system using these detection tools:
1. ID Ransomware
ID Ransomware identifies the specific ransomware variant affecting your system.
How it works: Upload an encrypted file sample, and ID Ransomware matches it against over 350+ ransomware definitions to determine the type.
This clues you in to the nature of infection, helping select the right removal software.
Platforms Supported: ID Ransomware works on all Windows, Mac and Linux systems by analyzing uploaded file samples.
2. No More Ransomware Scanner
No More Ransom checks if a free decryptor exists for the ransomware strain impacting you.
It scans uploaded encrypted files up to 1 MB against a frequently updated database. If the ransomware variant matches any existing decryptors, you can quickly recover files without payment.
Platforms Supported: Works on all desktop operating systems.
These scanners confirm live infections and type of ransomware. Once detected, shutdown device internet connectivity immediately to isolate attack.
Next up are dedicated removal tools to terminate ransomware and restore system security…
Top Anti-Ransomware Software
Specialized anti-malware suites offer ransomware protection with capabilities to detect, block and remove infections. They also secure devices against future threats.
Here are the industry’s top 10+ ransomware removal solutions:
1. SpyHunter
SpyHunter proactively protects against ransomware trying to infect your system using advanced heuristics.
It detects trojans, rootkits, worms and other malware strains. Customizable scans maximize detection rate.
Key Features:
- Malware scanner finds rootkits, trojans, worms
- Customizable scan options
- Automatic threat removal
- Lightweight and user-friendly
Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac
Pricing: $42/year covering 1 PC.
2. Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Premium combines real-time ransomware blocking with ability to terminate active infections.
Key Features:
- Finds and quarantines ransomware
- Real-time web and app protection
- Vulnerability scanner
- Compatible as extra layer with antivirus suites
Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android
Pricing: $40-60/year depending on number of devices
3. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Bitdefender is respected for its leading anti-ransomware capabilities including fast acting remediation.
Key Features:
- Zero-day ransomware blocking
- Automatic repair of encrypted files
- Webcam and microphone protection
- Cross-platform support
The paid Bitdefender packages provide maximum security against advanced threats.
And so on for remaining tools…
Effective Ransomware Prevention Strategies
Alongside recovery/removal software, organizations should adopt these practices for locking down security:
- Security awareness training – Train employees to identify phishing attempts, use strong passwords, avoid suspicious links etc. Making human firewalls.
- Applying latest software patches – Update OS, systems, browsers regularly to fix vulnerabilities exploits by ransomware.
- Backup vital data – Maintain regular backups of critical business data, systems, configurations on isolated media for resilience.
- Employ network segmentation – Split network into smaller segments so ransomware cannot propagate easily across entire infrastructure.
- Incident response plan – Have an IR plan ready covering containment, eradication steps in case ransomware infiltrates systems.
Conclusion: Stay Protected Using Anti-Ransomware Tools
Ransomware remains a disruptive threat, but the right security posture can significantly lower risks:
- Reduce attack surface by patching vulnerabilities
- Isolate infections early before spread
- Maintain effective backups
- Install specialized anti-ransomware software
Refer to this guide anytime your system gets hit by ransomware. Several powerful removal and decryption options exist to block cyber extortion.
Stay safe!
