Forensic Ransomware Data Recovery Services – Leeds Data Recovery

With 25 years of experience in forensic data recovery, Leeds Data Recovery specialises in recovering data encrypted by ransomware. Using advanced techniques and state-of-the-art tools, we recover data from RAID servers, desktops, laptops, external hard drives, and more. Our Forensic Ransomware Lab is equipped to recover data that many other companies cannot.

Supported Media Types for Ransomware Recovery

We recover ransomware-encrypted data from all types of storage devices, including:

• RAID Servers: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and other configurations.
• Desktop Computers: HDDs, SSDs, NVMe drives, and hybrid drives.
• Laptops: Internal drives including SATA, M.2, and SSDs.
• External Hard Drives: USB, Thunderbolt, and network-attached storage.
• NAS Devices: Synology, QNAP, Buffalo, Netgear, and more.

Supported Ransomware Strains

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a victim’s data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Over the years, numerous ransomware strains have emerged, each with unique characteristics and methods of operation. Below is an overview of 20 notable ransomware strains:

1. LockBit: First observed in September 2019, LockBit is known for its rapid encryption speed and has been one of the most active ransomware groups globally.
2. Conti: Active since 2020, Conti operates as a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model, targeting various sectors and known for its double extortion tactics.
3. Ryuk: Emerging in late 2018, Ryuk has been responsible for significant financial losses, particularly targeting large organizations and demanding high ransom payments.
4. REvil (Sodinokibi): Known for high-profile attacks, REvil has targeted various industries, employing double extortion by threatening to release stolen data.
5. DarkSide: Gained notoriety in 2021 for the Colonial Pipeline attack, DarkSide operates as a RaaS and focuses on large corporations.
6. Maze: Active from 2019 to 2020, Maze was among the first to combine data encryption with data theft, threatening to publish stolen information.
7. Dharma (CrySIS): A persistent ransomware strain that has evolved over time, targeting small to medium-sized businesses through RDP attacks.
8. Egregor: Surfaced in 2020, Egregor is known for its rapid deployment and use of double extortion tactics.
9. Clop: Active since 2019, Clop has targeted various sectors, including healthcare and finance, often demanding substantial ransoms.
10. Avaddon: Operating as a RaaS, Avaddon has targeted organisations worldwide, employing DDoS attacks alongside data encryption.
11. Netwalker: Known for targeting healthcare and educational institutions, Netwalker has been active since 2019, utilizing a RaaS model.
12. Sodinokibi (REvil): A prolific ransomware strain responsible for numerous attacks, often demanding high ransoms and threatening data leaks.
13. WannaCry: A widespread ransomware attack in 2017 that exploited a Windows vulnerability, affecting numerous organisations globally.
14. Petya/NotPetya: Initially a ransomware, NotPetya evolved into a wiper malware, causing significant disruptions in 2017.
15. SamSam: Active since 2015, SamSam targeted healthcare and government organisations, demanding ransoms in Bitcoin.
16. Cerber: A ransomware-as-a-service that has been active since 2016, known for its widespread distribution and frequent updates.
17. CryptoLocker: One of the early ransomware strains, active in 2013, known for encrypting files and demanding payment for decryption.
18. TeslaCrypt: Targeted gamers by encrypting game-related files, active between 2015 and 2016 before the developers released the decryption keys.
19. Bad Rabbit: A 2017 ransomware attack that spread through fake Adobe Flash updates, affecting organizations primarily in Russia and Ukraine.
20. Jigsaw: Known for deleting files incrementally until the ransom is paid, Jigsaw emerged in 2016, adding psychological pressure on victims.

Advanced Forensic Ransomware Recovery Techniques

1. Ransomware Key Database

• What It Is: An extensive repository of decryption keys for known ransomware strains.
• How It Helps: Matches the encryption strain to its corresponding decryption key for quick data recovery.

2. Brute Force Techniques

• What It Is: Systematic methods to crack encryption when decryption keys are unavailable.
• How It Helps: Recovers data even when ransomware keys are not public or available.

3. File Structure Rebuilding

• What It Is: Reconstructs the damaged or encrypted file system to access unencrypted fragments of data.
• How It Helps: Extracts usable data from encrypted drives without relying on ransomware keys.

4. Decryption Tool Development

• What It Is: Custom-built tools to decode specific ransomware strains.
• How It Helps: Overcomes ransomware that uses unique or proprietary encryption methods.

5. Reverse Engineering

• What It Is: Analysis of the ransomware’s encryption algorithm to identify vulnerabilities.
• How It Helps: Develops tailored solutions for complex ransomware attacks.

Why Leeds Data Recovery for Ransomware Recovery?

1. Specialised Forensic Lab

• Equipped with cutting-edge tools for ransomware decryption and data recovery.

2. Expertise Across All Media

• Experience recovering data from RAID servers, personal devices, and enterprise systems.

3. Success with Complex Ransomware

• Proven track record of recovering data encrypted by the most advanced ransomware strains.

4. Confidential and Secure

• Adherence to strict data privacy protocols ensures your data remains secure.

5. Comprehensive Support

• Guidance through the recovery process, including preventive measures to protect against future attacks.

Common Scenarios We Handle

• Critical Data Loss in Business: Ransomware attacks on corporate servers.
• Personal Data Encryption: Recovery of photos, documents, and other files.
• Backup Failures: Situations where ransomware has also targeted backup systems.
• RAID Server Attacks: Complex recovery from multi-drive RAID setups.
• Partial Encryption: Recovery from partially encrypted systems.

Contact Us Today

Forensic ransomware recovery requires expertise and precision. At Leeds Data Recovery, we specialize in recovering data under even the most challenging circumstances. Schedule a consultation today and let us help you retrieve your valuable files!