Ransomware Recovery Experts
It's the nightmare scenario. You open your laptop and all your photos, invoices, and documents are renamed with a random extension (like .locked or .crypt). A text file on your desktop demands Bitcoin. STOP. Turn off the computer immediately and call us.
Don't Pay The Ransom
The FBI, the National Crime Agency, and cybersecurity experts all agree: Never pay the criminals. There is no guarantee they will give you the key. In fact, many victims pay thousands of pounds and receive nothing.
Is it hopeless? Not always. Many ransomware variants are poorly coded. Cybersecurity researchers often release "Master Keys" that can unlock your files for free. We check your specific infection against our database of 1000+ known decryptors.
Even if no decryptor exists, we use forensic data recovery techniques to find "Shadow Copies" (automatic Windows backups) that the virus may have failed to delete.
Our Recovery Process
1. Identification
First, we isolate the drive to prevent further spread. We then analyze the ransom note and the encrypted file structure to identify exactly which "strain" of ransomware has hit you (e.g. STOP/Djvu, LockBit, Ryuk).
2. Decryption Attempt
We run the encrypted files through our decryption servers. If a key matches, the process is simple. If not, we move to forensic recovery.
3. Deep Scan
Ransomware often deletes the original file and creates a new encrypted copy. We use specialized recovery software (like the tools used by law enforcement) to try and "undelete" the original, unencrypted files from the hard drive's free space.
The "Kill Switch"
Speed is critical.
- Disconnect: Pull the internet cable or turn off Wi-Fi immediately. Ransomware talks to a central server to generate the encryption key. If you cut the line, you might stop it halfway.
- External Drives: Unplug any USB backup drives. If they are connected, the virus will encrypt them too.
Prevention is Cheaper
Once removed, we secure you:
- Off-site Backup: Cloud backups (OneDrive/Google Drive) often have "Version History" that ransomware can't destroy.
- RDP Securing: We close the remote access ports hackers use to break in.
Ransomware FAQs
Critical Information.
Can you guarantee recovery?
No honest IT company can. If the encryption is strong (AES-256) and no keys have been leaked by authorities, the data is mathematically uncrackable. However, we have a success rate of around 40-50% using alternative recovery methods.
How much does it cost?
We charge a fixed diagnosis fee to determine if recovery is possible. If we can recover data, we quote a fixed project price. We are significantly cheaper than paying the ransom (which can be thousands).
Is the computer safe to use?
Not until it is wiped. Ransomware often leaves "Time Bombs" set to go off months later. We usually recommend recovering the data and then completely formatting Windows to be safe.