Restoring a Computer and Recovering Data After a Virus Strikes
By Matt Brennan
When you’re talking about recovering data after a virus, it’s important to recognize that not all computer viruses are created equal. Some are more complex and nuanced than others, making them a more challenging occurrence to recover from.
Most virus-infected files are recoverable if you know how. Below are some of the most common classes of viruses, and their potential for being recovered.
If you know what you are doing, data recovery software may be able to help with recovering data after a virus, in the circumstances outlined below. But your best bet to recover data from a virus will always be to hire a professional data recovery company.
Recovering Data After a Virus Strikes
There are several different types of viruses out there, and the approach to take may vary depending on the type of virus. Here’s a little bit of information on some of the more common viruses that we see.
Web Scripting Viruses
These viruses are installed directly from the Internet when an unsuspecting person visits a malicious site or downloads an already infected file. These viruses work by uploading your data to a remote server and then deleting it.
The first thing to do if you have a web scripting virus is to disconnect from the Internet and scan for deleted data using data recovery software. Then you can save all recovered files.
Macro Viruses
This virus strikes frequently in Microsoft Office documents. When users turn on Visual Basic code, cybercriminals gain the ability to hide viruses inside the document. When a user opens up that document, the virus can then spread through other parts of the system.
The good news is that a file impacted by this type of virus is recoverable. A good way to avoid this type of virus is to disable Visual Basic support in all Office programs. If you have this type of virus, data recovery software can help if you know what you are doing. Otherwise, a data recovery company can help.
Boot Sector Viruses
These viruses are written into the boot sector or a machine, causing computer issues every time the machine runs. Recovering files with this type of virus is more complex when the virus blocks access to the operating system. If you have trouble with this, an experienced data recovery company can help.
With a boot sector virus, if you are experienced, you can connect the infected drive to a separate PC to scan with recovery software. Once this is complete formatting the entire drive including the boot sector can get rid of the virus.
Resident Viruses
These viruses hide in your computer’s RAM and can infect the data that it comes in contact with. This can be a difficult virus to recover files from. Some types of resident viruses may permanently delete the files they come in contact with.
Encrypt Viruses
These viruses include the popularly known ransomware. Essentially it blocks access to files through encryption, making it nearly impossible to regain access. The attacker may then threaten to make the files irrecoverable unless a ransom is paid.
Not all ransomware was created equal, however. Some rely on weak algorithms, that can easily be thwarted with the right decryption.
Hire An Experienced Data Recovery Company
Recovering data after a virus can be complex if you don’t know how. Data recovery software opens up more possibilities for consumers, but there are definite risks involved.
If you have been impacted by a computer virus the best thing that you could do would be to hire a professional data recovery company to help you recover any missing or damaged files. We Recover Data can help. Contact us today!
