What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
A backup is ready for ransomware only if attackers cannot readily destroy or overwrite it along with your working data—and you can restore it with integrity. A successful backup job is not proof of recovery. For individuals, that means keeping an external drive disconnected except during backups or choosing a vetted cloud backup service, then testing file recovery. For organizations, it means isolating and protecting backup systems and credentials, prioritizing recovery, and regularly practicing restoration.
Why ransomware can put backups at risk
Ransomware operators may look for backup copies they can reach from compromised devices or networks, then try to encrypt or delete them. If a backup is continuously connected and available through the same compromised credentials, it may be exposed along with the original data. CISA recommends offline backups and regular restoration tests in its #StopRansomware Guide.
Some attacks also involve data theft. The FBI, CISA, and Australia’s ACSC describe double extortion in their Play ransomware advisory, updated June 4, 2025: victims may face both encrypted systems and stolen information. Backups help with restoring data, but they do not by themselves resolve exposure of stolen information.
Is my backup safe from ransomware?
Ask whether a compromised device, administrator account, or cloud identity could access the backup and delete, encrypt, or overwrite its contents. Then ask whether older, clean versions remain available and whether you can recover them if ordinary access is compromised.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Isolation: Is at least one critical copy offline or separated from ordinary network access and compromised credentials?
- Deletion and overwrite protection: Can an attacker with access to a production account remove backup data or shorten its retention? Where appropriate, consider immutability or deletion protections, but validate their configuration and recovery access.
- Version history: Does the backup retain earlier versions long enough to recover data from before an attack?
- Restore: Can you access the backup, recover the needed data, and verify its integrity?
- Separation: Are copies separated physically, by network segment, or by provider and identity controls where appropriate?
CISA’s LockBit advisory describes multiple copies in physically separate, segmented, secure locations and attributes the 3-2-1 strategy to ACSC guidance: Understanding Ransomware Threat Actors: LockBit. A 3-2-1 arrangement is not a guarantee; the relevant question is whether the copies remain available and recoverable if production systems and credentials are compromised.
Can ransomware encrypt my external hard drive?
Yes. If an external hard drive is connected and writable when the computer is compromised, ransomware may be able to encrypt files on it too. CISA lists an external hard drive as a personal-data backup option and advises disconnecting it when it is not actively backing up. Its consumer guidance says: “Frequently back up your data to reduce the risk of permanent data loss.” See How to Protect the Data that is Stored on Your Devices.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
For a personal computer
- Choose an external hard drive or a properly vetted cloud backup service for the files you need to preserve.
- Run backups regularly, following the drive or service’s setup instructions.
- Disconnect the external drive when the backup is not in progress, rather than leaving it continuously attached.
- Recover a few files periodically to confirm you can access and open them.
Are cloud backups protected from ransomware?
Not automatically. Cloud synchronization and backup are different: synchronization may upload encrypted local files and replace unaffected cloud copies. CISA’s #StopRansomware Guide advises evaluating retention and versioning rather than assuming that synchronized files are a separate backup.
Before relying on a cloud service, check how long it keeps deleted or changed versions, whether deletion protections are available, how backup access is separated from everyday account credentials, and how you would recover if that identity or account were compromised. Also account for restore access, provider separation, operational complexity, cost, and applicable compliance or retention requirements. These controls vary by service; no particular provider or configuration is established here as universally safe.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How should an organization prepare backups for recovery?
Organizations need more than a copy of files. CISA recommends maintaining offline, encrypted backups of critical data and regularly testing their availability and integrity in a disaster-recovery scenario. Recovery planning should cover the systems and dependencies required to make essential services work again.
Prioritize what must come back first
- Inventory critical information, systems, and services.
- Set recovery priorities and identify dependencies, such as identity services, network components, or applications needed by higher-priority services.
- Protect backup systems and credentials so ordinary compromised access cannot readily remove recovery copies.
Keep copies and rebuild materials usable
- Keep critical copies offline or otherwise isolated from ordinary production access; encrypt them and protect the keys needed to restore them.
- Where supported and appropriate, assess immutability or deletion protections and versioning. Validate permissions, retention, recovery access, cost, and compliance needs rather than treating immutability as a universal solution.
- Keep golden images or equivalent rebuild materials, needed software and installers, source code, licenses, and configuration documentation accessible to authorized responders.
Practice recovery, not just backup
A completed job verifies that a process ran; it does not establish that data can be recovered intact or that systems can be rebuilt. In a planned disaster-recovery exercise, test access to the backup, restore representative data and systems, verify integrity, and check whether dependencies and rebuild materials are available. Document what failed and correct it before relying on the plan.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
CISA’s Ransomware Readiness Assessment offers organizations a tiered self-assessment of defense and recovery practices.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How often should you test a backup?
Set a regular schedule that fits the importance and change rate of the data, and test after material changes to backup configuration or recovery procedures. The cited CISA guidance calls for regular testing but does not prescribe a universal interval. A useful test verifies that you can get to the copy, restore the files or systems you need, and confirm the restored data is intact—not merely that a dashboard reports success.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
If ransomware is active
This is preparedness guidance, not an incident-response runbook. If ransomware is active, do not reconnect potentially compromised systems or backup devices. Follow your organization’s incident-response plan and current official response guidance; for personal devices, seek appropriate technical help before connecting backup media that may be exposed.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
