After researching your options for ransomware recovery, maybe you’ve decided it’s time for a cybersecurity professional to evaluate your situation and help you back up and running again.
A ransomware recovery evaluation is a process of professionally assessing a computer and network following a ransomware attack. From this evaluation, the options to decrypt your files are presented in a complete quoted package, giving the full ransomware recovery service cost. However, you must remember that the recovery is not the only expense you’ll have due to the ransomware. Downtime is also a consequence of ransomware, costing even more than the ransom demand. Therefore, you must seek ways to improve your business cybersecurity and prevent ransomware attacks.Â
If you are responsible for the IT or data security at your company, not being in control of your network can make you feel anxious. Ransomware attacks disrupt companies, and we understand the difficult circumstances that come with the attack.
Why do I need a ransomware recovery evaluation?
When recovering your data from a ransomware attack, a ransomware recovery evaluation is the first step toward recovering the locked files. This will tell you what must be done and the ransomware recovery service cost.  Most ransomware recovery can be executed via a remote connection to your network. A remote evaluation can help your company respond quicker to ransomware and cut costs by avoiding in-person labor charges.Â
Sometimes, ransomware victims ask if they can just send the encrypted files to see if they can be decrypted. However, if you only send the encrypted files, it doesn’t allow the ransomware recovery specialist to thoroughly analyze the ransomware attack.
1. Identify ransomware variant
After the ransomware recovery evaluation, you will know exactly what ransomware variant (program) you’ve been infected with. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different ransomware variants out in the wild with new ones emerging almost daily. Ransomware recovery specialists use internal, proprietary intelligence, and public databases to help identify the variant. Â
Knowing more about the ransomware variant can help give context to the malware and if it’s decryptable currently.
2. Discover the attack vector used to deploy ransomware
During a ransomware evaluation, a ransomware recovery service will help analyze how the ransomware attack initially happened. Â
If you need additional information on the attack, it’s critical to detail every move the attacker made while on your network. Preserving ransomware evidence for a ransomware forensics investigation can dive deeper into the attack and also help your business learn if data was exfiltrated (stolen) from your network.
3. Determine if the malware encryption is breakable
During the ransomware recovery evaluation, a malware analyst examines the executable (malware program) that was used to encrypt your files. This can be done as an option to recover without restoring from backups.
What is involved in the ransomware evaluation process?
This is an example of the steps that experts can take when remotely evaluating your device:
1. Establish connection via remote access
Most ransomware recovery services can assess the ransomware on your network via a remote connection. Â
The ransomware recovery service will provide step-by-step instructions on how to safely connect your ransomware-infected device for evaluation.
2. Ransomware recovery specialist collects data points and evidence
During the ransomware recovery evaluation, the ransomware recovery specialist combs through your computer and network to examine essential data points. Â
Example of data points collected during the ransomware recovery evaluation:
- Date and time of the attack
- Ransomware variant
- Number of endpoints affected
- Number of servers affected
- File extensions
- Operating system information
- Type of data encrypted
- Data backups (if available)
- Previous recovery attempts
- Network drives affected
These data points will give the ransomware recovery specialist an understanding of how to resolve your case.
A ransomware evaluation’s findings also provide you with the information required to report the ransomware crime to authorities. This initial information can also be leveraged in ransomware forensics which can help disclose if any data was stolen or exfiltrated off the network.
3. Detailed report and ransomware recovery options presented
Following the initial remote assessment, a ransomware recovery specialist will inspect these data points and assemble a preliminary report. The specialist considers all possible options for recovering the ransomware-encrypted files. Â The evaluation report will provide you with information on the likelihood of successful recovery using these methods. Â
After the options for ransomware recovery are presented, they will be sent to you for review so you can decide how to proceed. If you approve the recovery proposal, you will then be sent an official quote, with a full description of the service and expected ransomware recovery cost.
4. Estimated cost of ransomware recovery presented
The conclusion of a ransomware recovery evaluation will result in an official quote that outlines the service fees and statement of work. This quote includes a detailed list of how ransomware recovery specialists will recover your locked files.Â
Understanding the costs of ransomware recovery will give you more insight into the factors that determine the final price of ransomware removal.
How much does a ransomware evaluation cost?
The price you pay to have your ransomware incident evaluated will vary, depending on the turnaround time and the company you choose to conduct the evaluation.
The cost of a ransomware evaluation can range from $0 to as high as $5,000.Â
This cost can be influenced by:
- The existing number of cases for the ransomware recovery service
- Number of systems
- Fixed costs for their assessment
When it comes to the ransomware recovery evaluation, make sure you know exactly what services you’re receiving during the evaluation stage. Ransomware recovery services should be transparent and forthcoming about any fees or expenses related to the ransomware evaluation and exactly what it will cost you.
Remember, ransomware evaluation does not include the decrypting of locked files or the removal of ransomware.Â
This evaluation will give you the recovery price as well and will give you the chance to explore the ransomware recovery service before closing the deal.
What are the next steps to decrypt my files?
If you need your business files back and networks recovered after a ransomware attack, performing a ransomware recovery evaluation will give you the information you need to decide how to move forward.
Contact Proven Data experts for your ransomware evaluation and see how much will your ransomware recovery service cost.
Need help decrypting your files?
If you’re thinking of having your locked files decrypted by a professional, the first step is to open a case and schedule a ransomware recovery evaluation.
Start the ransomware recovery process
