How can you restore your OS after a ransomware attack?

1 Identify the ransomware

The first step is to identify the type and variant of ransomware that has infected your OS. This can help you determine if there is a decryption tool available, or if you need to wipe your system and restore from backups. Some ransomware variants display a ransom note on your screen, or change your wallpaper or file extensions. You can use online resources such as ID Ransomware or No More Ransom to upload a sample of the ransom note or encrypted file and get information about the ransomware.

2 Disconnect from the network

The next step is to disconnect your computer from the network and any external devices. This can prevent the ransomware from spreading to other machines or drives, or communicating with the attackers. You can unplug your Ethernet cable, turn off your Wi-Fi, or use airplane mode. You should also disconnect any USB flash drives, external hard drives, or cloud storage services that may contain your backups or important files.

3 Boot into safe mode

The third step is to boot your computer into safe mode, which is a mode of operation that only loads the essential drivers and programs. This can help you bypass the ransomware's lock screen or encryption, and access your OS settings and tools. To boot into safe mode, you need to restart your computer and press a specific key, such as F8, F12, or Esc, depending on your OS and hardware. You can then select the safe mode option from the menu that appears.

4 Scan and remove the ransomware

The fourth step is to scan your OS with an antivirus or anti-malware program and try to remove the ransomware. You can use a program that you already have installed, or download one from a trusted source. Some programs may have a specific feature or mode for ransomware removal, such as Malwarebytes or Bitdefender. You should run a full scan of your OS and delete any suspicious files or registry entries that the program detects.

5 Restore your OS from backups

The fifth step is to restore your OS from backups, if you have any. Backups are copies of your OS and files that you can use to restore your system to a previous state, before the ransomware infection. You can use backups that you have created using the built-in OS tools, such as Windows System Restore or Time Machine, or using third-party software, such as Acronis or EaseUS. You can also use backups that you have stored on external devices or cloud services, as long as they are not infected or encrypted by the ransomware.

6 Update and secure your OS

The final step is to update and secure your OS, to prevent future ransomware attacks. You should install the latest security patches and updates for your OS and applications, to fix any vulnerabilities that the ransomware may have exploited. You should also enable or strengthen your OS security features, such as firewall, encryption, or user account control. You should also avoid opening suspicious email attachments or links, and use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program to scan your OS regularly.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?