BeforeCrypt | Data Recovery

1. So what do you know about cyber-attacks, on your computer? Yes, your computer! Well, the first response would be panic, as soon as you are aware of it. And then, panic googling maybe. And then falling victim, to maybe more online frauds (mostly, if you do not know your way around) or just investing (literally sometimes burning a hole in your pockets) to save your precious data and get rid of this pesky "online issue".

2. One of the gravest news for you might be, that your computer has been attacked by a horrible 'Malware'. And when it is one of the 'Ransomware' types, then you go into research mode to save your precious PC. So now, let me give you a little insight about Ransomware. It is a type of malicious software (something you do not want in your computer for sure) which exposes your personal data online. The next specialty about ransomware is that you would need to pay the 'ransom' to get rid of it. You might be wondering, why was it not named as the 'Blackmail bug'! Well, ransomware is more complicated than you think. Its functionality depends on what kind of ransomware is integrating within your computer. The simpler ones would simply lock/bock your computer until the money is extracted from you. The other more advanced/complicated ones would use some advanced crypto virology (an expert level of technical blackmail/extortion), in which your files are encrypted (your original data is copied and converted into more complex non-viewable data, which could be harder to be accessed by you) and inaccessible to you. Now, once your data is stuck in a complex web of online unavailable data, you will be extracted with huge sums of money, just to unlock your information. Sounds scary right, well yes it is. When you face an attack with a very high tech and extremely well- equipped attacker, it is nearly impossible for you to recover your data. The reason being, the ransomware is intricately implemented, where you would not be able to recover the data without the correct decryption key. And if you are thinking you would like to trace it through online smart hacks, well guess what, it would be nearly impossible. Online currencies and payments are used for huge ransoms, just to make sure, the data could be erased and the raider is never caught. You will be shown

3. step by step methods to pay them on your computer, without them being caught and leaving any digital footprints at all. With no such traces, it becomes completely impossible for such criminals to be prosecuted or even tracked. So, what to do now? Well, try to identify and try to remain safe by educating yourself. And how do you do so? Well, by being aware of your activities online. Let me give you an example. You might receive a very legitimate email, containing an attachment, claiming you should work on the issue at the earliest (playing with your priorities, in such cases, just make sure the email address and the sender's information is legitimate by rechecking it multiple times before taking any action) and lure you into downloading the seemingly very important attachment. And that's it, mission accomplished. You are now a victim of high end encrypted ransomware.

4. Since 2012, ransomware attacks have increased in numbers and expertise both, and that too, internationally. Until 2017, the invasion has increased as much as 229% per the trusted sources available online. The highest attacks are done through emails nowadays, as compared to other sources. Other attacks are more like using porn being implemented in your computer and then removing it only after you have paid them. Another new method used post-2011 is that they are using online payment methods by adding more languages to the response messages (which use geo-location targeting based on your location). Right now, to save yourself from such a gruesome attack is to use anti-malware software. There are many types of such safety software available online and mostly they are tailored to be custom-made for your basic requirements.

5. The best way to save yourself from such ransomware is self-awareness and being more cautious. Also, being up to date with the newest social engineering and circumspect any emails having very suspicious attachments. Also, be very prudent while using online payments and make sure the websites are safe and have security encryption on them. Also, make sure, any personal information you share online is double-checked. In case you want to keep your data safe all time, always make sure, you have purchased high-end anti-ransomware for your computer. It might take a yearly upgrade for the safety software and you might have to pay for the software every year, however, it is always better to be safe than sorry. The key is to make sure your investment in your yearly subscription to such safety software is regular.