Can All Ransomware Be Decrypted?
Ransomware is a very dangerous form of malware that has caused billions of dollars in damage. But ransomware’s encryption attacks be reversed? Can all ransomware be decrypted, or are there certain kinds that are water tight?
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Ransomware is a kind of malwarethat encrypts the files on an infected device, with the operators demanding a ransom in return for the decryption key. When a device is infected with ransomware, the owner is often notified with a pop-up window or even a change to their device’s desktop wallpaper. This warning will explain what the operator requires as ransom, and often explains what will happen if it is not paid.
Sometimes, the cybercriminals will provide the victim with a decryption key when the ransom is paid, but this is not a sure thing. Malicious operators can also hit the road and leave the encrypted files in their coded state once the ransom money is in their hands.
While ransomware can target individuals, it is often known to target companies. This is because an organization will likely be more able to pay a large ransom than a sole person.
Ransomware is evidently a huge threat in the digital space, but does it have a weak spot? Can all ransomware be decrypted?
How Is Ransomware Decrypted?
Ransomware is decrypted using, as you may have guessed, a decryption tool.
Decryption tools are designed to learn the behavior of a given strain of ransomware, and then use this knowledge to decrypt infected files. When a file is decrypted, the random code enforced by the initial encryption is decoded, converting the data back to plain text.
There aremany ransomware decryption tools out there. Many are free, but some need to be paid for.
Technically, all kinds of ransomware can be decrypted. This is good news, but comes with an important stipulation. Each kind of ransomware needs its own decryptor. it’s possible to’t take one decryptor tool and use it on all kinds of ransomware, as each kind has individual properties and code. This is a key reason why ransomware can be tough to decrypt, as the victim must know what kind of ransomware it is to find the right decryption tool.
There are many kinds of ransomware out there that decryption tools have been made for. Typically, less sophisticated ransomware is easier to decrypt, as its code is easier to read and find holes in.Jigsaw ransomware, for example, can be decrypted using a number of free online tools, mainly because it’s pretty basic in its design.
Below is a list of some common ransomware strains that decryption tools have been released for:
However, there aren’t decryption tools out there for every single kind of ransomware. Particularly with newer strains of ransomware, it can take a while for developers to release a decryption tool. LockBit, for example, currently has no decryption tool. In that time, the ransomware operators could attack numerous targets. On top of this, the encryption used by more sophisticated ransomware is harder to crack, so it takes longer for a decryption tool to be released.
Another concerning aspect here is that some ransomware doesn’t even have a decryption key. For example,ZDNetreported that a specific kind of ransomware found by researchers is so basic in its design that it cannot be decrypted. This ransomware, known as Cryptonite, simply wipes the infected device of its files, rather than just encrypting them.
So, sometimes things can go the other way, and the lack of sophistication within a ransomware strain’s code can make it even more dangerous to victims.
Ransomware Can Be Very Tricky to Overcome
Not only is ransomware a huge threat to everyone, but it can be difficult to decrypt, meaning that precious files are being put in jeopardy. While many kinds of ransomware out there can be unlocked, there are still numerous strains that cybersecurity vendors are yet to release a decryption tool for. This is why you should employ high levels of security on your devices to steer clear of such attacks.
You may have protected your data by keeping regular backups, but that doesn’t stop someone from leaking stolen information online.
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