How Does It Work?

We’ve developed a streamlined ransomware recovery process to help you get back to work as soon as possible.

 

  • STEP 1: Free Assessment

Submit the encrypted files and the ransom note for review. We then prepare a risk analysis, determine the exact type of ransomware, and examine the possible recovery options. Every ransomware infection is unique and we have to understand your situation to know what the best course of action is. This process usually takes 24 hours at most, and in case of a serious emergency can be faster. Click here to submit a new case.

 

  • STEP 2: Quote

We offer full incident response. The exact cost depends on how long the recovery will take, and is affected by factors like the size of your network, the extent of the infection, and the steps necessary to patch vulnerabilities and improve security. Our team of ransomware experts focuses on one case at a time to recover the data and bring the network securely back online as quickly as possible. Our rate is based on flat daily fee.

  • STEP 3: Acceptance of the Quote

After acceptance of the offer, we will send you an invoice including VAT, which you can pay by PayPal, direct debit, wire transfer or credit card. We also offer secure payment processing via an escrow service. Once we receive the payment, we start the ransomware recovery process immediately.

We also sign a data processing agreement (DPA) in line with GDPR compliance. During and after the ransomware recovery process we maintain strict confidentiality with your data. We are a registered German company and we operate with full compliance to  German and EU laws, which are internationally known for their high data protection standards. Read more

 

  • STEP 4: Preparing for Recovery

First, you need to install our remote maintenance software on the affected computer system. We remove the ransomware, determine any vulnerabilities that might have caused the issue, and then backup all encrypted files. We then install a next-generation antivirus solution with ransomware protection. This installation protects your data from further damage and helps prevent future ransomware attacks.

 

  • STEP 5: Data Recovery

Now that the computer system is cleansed of the ransomware trojan and a re-infection is prevented, we start with the ransomware data recovery. If negotiation with the attackers is necessary, we determine which ransomware gang is behind the attack. We examine past data on the attacks to understand their behavior patterns and adjust the negotiation strategy accordingly.

During this process, we follow all relevant national and international laws to ensure full compliance. We also collect all data necessary for law enforcement and insurance purposes.

 

  • STEP 6: Prevention & Reporting

A dedicated ransomware recovery expert will be assigned to assist you at all time throughout the recovery process. After the data recovery is complete, the team member assigned to your case will provide detailed guidance on how to improve your IT security and prevent future attacks.

Cyber-insurance policies usually cover the costs of using a professional ransomware recovery service. We compile all of the data gathered during the ransomware response into a detailed attack report delivered within five days after the completion of the data recovery. This report will contain complete documentation of all details required by your insurance company.

Ransomware Recovery Data

Advantages of Using Our Ransomware Recovery Service

  1. Significantly Reduced Downtime. The interruption of your organization’s normal activities can be very expensive. We know that every hour, and sometimes every minute, can make a difference. Our streamlined recovery process is designed to get your operations back online as fast as possible.
  2. Proven Industry Expertise. We are Europe’s leading ransomware recovery firm, with comprehensive industry experience and a strong record of success in recovering client data quickly and securely.
  3. Easy Insurance Reporting. You receive a detailed report containing all necessary data and a sample letter so you can easily file a claim with your cyber-insurance. Cyber-insurance policies usually cover the costs of using a professional ransomware recovery service.
  4. Professional Security. In every case we use high standard industry best practices to secure your data and remove all ransomware from your system before beginning with decryption. Our standardized and highly secure procedures protect your data and prevent any further spread of ransomware on your network.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How Much Does Ransomware Response Cost?

The only way to know precisely how much ransomware response will cost is to contact us for a free consultation.

Ransomware response cost varies according to the type of attack, how much data is affected, the number of computers infected, and your local environment (computer performance, servers, operating systems). The response includes removal of the ransomware, negotiations with attackers and transferring payment if necessary, restoring data, patching the vulnerability that led to the attack, and preparing all documentation for legal compliance and insurance claims. The course of action our clients choose also affects the overall cost. 

The minimum cost for small companies generally starts around several thousand euros, including the cost of the ransom. However, if at all possible, we strongly recommend avoiding paying the attackers. Paying the attackers encourages them to harm more people. However, if it is not economically feasible, we handle fully legally compliant payments to attackers. The overall expense depends a lot on the ransom amount demanded, and how successful negotiations are. We maintain a database on ransomware gangs to negotiate more effectively. In some cases, negotiations can result in a significant reduction in the ransom payment.

We have a greater than 98% success rate.

In the case of most of our clients who have cyber insurance, their coverage pays the cost of our services, as well as the ransom, if necessary. 

 

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Why Use Professional Ransomware Response?

 

  1. Professional ransomware response can significantly decrease downtime. We deal with hundreds of cases every year. Through our years of experience, we have developed a streamlined process that brings our clients back online as fast as possible. In the event that a ransom has to be paid, purchasing the necessary cryptocurrency can take days. The process of resolving a ransomware attack without prior experience can take many hours of research. Most of our cases are completely resolved 24-72 hours after we begin the recovery process.

  2. Avoid dealing with criminals and ensure legal compliance. Most companies don’t feel comfortable dealing with cyber-criminals. It can add another layer of stress in emergency. We maintain files on different groups of hackers in order to maximize security and effectiveness of negotiations. We also ensure that all communications and transfers comply with applicable laws and regulations to protect our clients against potential legal problems. 

  3. Instant cryptocurrency transfers. It is always better to avoid giving into the attacker’s demands. If backups and normal recovery methods fail, however, there may be no other choice. Most ransomware attackers demand payment in Bitcoin. If you try to purchase Bitcoin yourself, an intensive know-your-customer process is usually required, which can take 2-6 days for large amounts. We maintain a reserve of the currencies demanded by attackers to make instant payments if needed.

  4. Ensure data integrity and security. As specialists in the field of ransomware incident response, we are always refining industry best practices for data recovery. We have robust, standardized procedures for backing up encrypted data, restoring data, and removing viruses to ensure that there is no data loss or damage.

  5. Easy Insurance Reporting: All of our clients receive a detailed incident report with all information required by cyber-insurance and for law enforcement purposes. Thankfully, cyber-insurance often covers the cost of cyber-extortion as well as professional ransomware response services. Completing all paperwork correctly from the beginning can speed up the process of filing a claim and recovering lost funds.
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How Can I Prevent Ransomware Attacks?

  1. Backup, Backup, Backup! In most cases, a fresh and secure backup of data can prevent ransomware attack from succeeding. For this reason, many attackers put in a lot of effort to find and encrypt backups. The best backup will be air-gapped, meaning physically disconnected from your main network. It is also important to have a regular backup schedule with robust security procedures. 

  2. Install a Next-Gen Antivirus. Next generation anti-virus software combines a classic signature-based antivirus with powerful exploit protection, ransomware protection and endpoint detection and response (EDR). Mcafee, Fireeye, and Sentinel One are all examples of antivirus software with these features. 

  3. Install a Next-Gen Firewall. A Next-Gen-Firewall is also called Unified threat management (UTM) firewall. It adds a layer of security at every entry and exit point of your company data communication. It combines classic network security with intrusion detection, intrusion prevention, gateway antivirus, email filtering and many other features. 

If you can afford it, having staff or hiring a dedicated service to monitor network traffic can also help to detect unusual activity and prevent ransomware attacks. Ransomware attackers usually do a lot of surveillance on a network before attempting a hack. This “reconnaissance” phase has certain tell-tale signs. If you can catch these early, it’s possible to detect the attacker early and deny them access to the network. 

If you get hit by ransomware, a professional ransomware response service can help to identify and patch security gaps. 

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Do You Provide Worldwide Service?

BeforeCrypt is founded, established, licensed and registered in Germany as an GmbH business with worldwide operations. We have a full-time team of staff, contractors and cybersecurity consultants ready to work with you round the clock.

Although based in Germany, our support is available 24/7 and in 20 languages. You can use our contact form here to submit a ransomware ticket.

We are always happy to assist our clients and get them back up and running in minimal time as possible.

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How Fast Can You Start With The Recovery?

In emergencies, we can start with the ransomware data recovery immediately. Since our support team operates 24/7, we can reduce your downtime to a minimum by working non-stop to recover your data.