Restore files from a known-good backup whenever possible, but contain the attack first and make sure the systems used for recovery are clean. If you have no usable backup, recovery may depend on whether a trusted decryptor exists for the specific ransomware variant. There is no general-purpose tool that can be assumed to decrypt every attack.
What to do first: contain the attack
Disconnect an affected computer or storage device from Wi-Fi and wired networks. For an organization, isolate affected systems or network segments and activate the incident-response plan. Do not reconnect a device just because its files appear accessible again; first establish that the attack is contained.
If the attack is affecting an organization, involve its IT or security team and, when needed, an incident-response provider. CISA recommends triaging affected systems, prioritizing critical services, and preserving relevant logs and, where appropriate, system images and memory captures. Consult appropriate law-enforcement or government contacts about possible decryptors and response guidance. Reporting, insurance, contractual, and breach-notification duties depend on the organization and jurisdiction, so confirm them with qualified professionals and relevant authorities.
Which recovery path should you use?
The right path depends on what is available and whether the environment can be made safe for recovery. CISA’s #StopRansomware Guide, whose publication record is dated October 19, 2023, treats restoration as part of a broader incident response. The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) likewise advises checking backups for malware before restoring.
Recommended Free Tools
#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.
| Recovery path | When it may help | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Restore from backup | A recent, intact backup is available and can be confirmed free of malware. | Restore only into a clean environment; connected backups may have been deleted or encrypted during the attack. CISA and NCSC guidance. |
| Use a decryptor | A trusted decryptor is confirmed for the specific ransomware variant. | Availability depends on the variant. CISA advises checking trusted variant-specific guidance and consulting law enforcement; no universal decryptor is established. |
| Pay the ransom | Payment is not a dependable recovery method. | NCSC says payment does not guarantee access to data or a computer, and the computer may remain infected. |
Restore files from a backup safely
- Confirm what was affected. Identify affected devices and data, and determine which critical files or services need priority. In an organization, use the incident-response plan to prioritize recovery.
- Check that the backup is usable and clean. Verify that it is intact and free of malware before relying on it. NCSC’s ransomware guidance says: “Before you restore from a backup, confirm that it is free from any malware.” A backup that was connected during the attack may also have been altered, deleted, or encrypted.
- Prepare clean systems or a clean network. Do not restore onto a compromised device or bring it back onto a recovery network. NCSC advises updating the operating system and other software on a clean network before reconnecting systems.
- Restore priority data and services. Use the verified backup in the clean environment, following the organization’s recovery priorities where applicable. Check that the restored files and services work before resuming normal operations.
- Keep the restored environment under review. Investigate the original compromise and look for other attacker access or precursor malware before returning systems to normal use.
If you do not have a usable backup
Check for a decryptor only after identifying the variant
Some ransomware variants may have a decryptor if researchers have found a weakness, but that possibility must be verified for the specific variant involved. Use trusted, variant-specific guidance and consult law enforcement about possible decryptors, as CISA recommends. Avoid unverified downloads or claims that one tool can recover any encrypted file. A decryptor, even if available, does not replace investigating whether the attacker still has access to the system.
Do not treat ransom payment as a recovery guarantee
The NCSC warns that paying does not guarantee access to data or a computer and that the computer may remain infected. If you are considering payment during an active incident, seek appropriate professional and law-enforcement guidance rather than assuming payment will restore files or remove the threat.
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.
Secure systems before reconnecting
File restoration is not the same as resolving the incident. Before affected systems return to normal use, investigate how access was gained, look for persistence or other malware, secure affected accounts and systems, and address security gaps. CISA’s response guidance includes threat hunting and post-incident lessons learned; NCSC advises updating software on a clean network before reconnecting.
For organizations, document what happened and use the findings to revise incident-response and backup plans. Reconnecting before the original compromise is addressed can expose clean systems or restored data to the same attacker.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #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.
Prepare backups to make future recovery more reliable
CISA recommends offline, encrypted backups of critical data and regular recovery tests. NCSC recommends keeping multiple copies across different backup solutions and locations, including offline copies, and checking that restores work. Ransomware may target connected backups, so a backup that remains accessible to an infected system may not be available when needed.
An external hard drive can serve as one destination for an offline backup if the backup workflow and device support disconnecting it between backup sessions. It can help protect future backup copies; it is not a decryptor and will not recover files already encrypted in an incident. Choose storage based on the amount of data, operating system, and backup method you need to support.
Quick Recap
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.
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
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.
