EFS Ransomware

How to Protect Your Files from EFS Ransomware Attacks

EFS ransomware is a new type of malware that uses the Windows Encrypting File System (EFS) to encrypt your files and demand a ransom for their decryption. EFS is a feature of Windows that allows you to encrypt individual files and folders on your hard drive. EFS ransomware exploits this feature by generating a new encryption key and certificate, setting them as the default EFS key, and encrypting your files with EFS. This makes it harder for antivirus software to detect and stop the attack, as it does not rely on downloading any malicious executable files.

EFS ransomware was first discovered by researchers at Safebreach Labs in January 2020. They tested it on Windows 10 versions 1803, 1809, and 1903, but it could also work on other versions of Windows that support EFS, such as Windows 8.x, Windows 7, and Windows Vista. The ransomware targets various types of files, such as documents, images, videos, and databases. It appends the .efs extension to the encrypted files and drops a ransom note named READ_ME.txt in each affected folder. The ransom note instructs the victims to contact the attackers via email and pay a certain amount of money in Bitcoin to get the decryption key.

How to Prevent EFS Ransomware Infection

The best way to protect your files from EFS ransomware is to prevent it from infecting your system in the first place. Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of this malware:

Keep your Windows system and applications updated with the latest security patches.

Use a reliable antivirus software and keep it updated with the latest virus definitions.

Avoid opening suspicious email attachments or clicking on unknown links.

Backup your important files regularly to an external drive or a cloud service.

Disable EFS if you do not use it or need it. You can do this by setting the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\WindowsNT\\CurrentVersion\\EFS\\EfsConfiguration to 1. However, be careful as this may affect some applications that rely on EFS functionality.

How to Recover Your Files from EFS Ransomware Encryption

If you are already infected by EFS ransomware, do not panic and do not pay the ransom. Paying the ransom does not guarantee that you will get your files back, and it only encourages the attackers to continue their malicious activities. Instead, try these steps to recover your files:

Disconnect your system from the internet and any network shares.

Scan your system with a reputable antivirus software and remove any detected malware.

Try to restore your files from a backup or a shadow copy. You can use tools like ShadowExplorer or Recuva to recover your files from previous versions or deleted copies.

Try to decrypt your files using a decryption tool. Some security researchers may develop tools to decrypt files encrypted by EFS ransomware. You can check websites like No More Ransom or BleepingComputer for any available decryption tools.

EFS ransomware is a dangerous threat that can encrypt your files and make them inaccessible. However, by following the prevention tips and recovery steps above, you can minimize the risk of infection and maximize the chance of recovery. Remember to always backup your files and keep your system secure. aa16f39245