Ransomware attacks have become common threats in recent years as news reports detailed the way Petya, TeslaCrypt, WannaCry, and other malware paralyzed computers around the world. Experts say there are nearly 3 million ransomware variants. Attacks are launched against individuals and organizations every day.
Antivirus companies have responded with strong protection systems that fight successfully against ransomware threats. Most of these applications can stop and block ransomware; the very best ransomware protection programs can even recover encrypted files and restore your access to data.
The short answer? Yes.
It’s much better to prevent attacks than to recover from them. After all, even the best products can’t stop every attack, and there’s always a chance you’ll lose some of your files for good. It’s best to buy products that know how to avoid ransomware in the first place.
Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts or locks your data (sometimes even your entire hard drive) until you pay a ransom to regain access. This type of malware can hack the entire hard disk and disable access to the system, but in most cases it encrypts individual files and folders. That way you can still use the computer to pay the ransom.
If you don’t have one of the products reviewed here, ransomware removal requires payment to the hackers, who are the only ones who know the encryption key or procedure for unlocking your data. And there is no guarantee that they will share that information with you once they have received your Bitcoins.
When it comes to ransomware, prevention is much better than recovery. There are numerous steps you can take to protect your devices. One of the most basic is to be careful about what email attachments you open. Most cyberattacks – including ransomware attacks – happen when you open a file you’ve received as part of a phishing scam. Infected emails can look as if they’re coming from trusted users, but you should be careful with those and avoid downloading malicious attachments.
MacOS, Android, and Windows ransomware protection also means you should not give administrative access to unfamiliar apps, especially if you’re not sure what they’re doing.
The next thing you can do to protect your files is to save them all on the cloud. There are numerous companies – Acronis being one – that offer both cloud backup services and protection against destructive ransomware and other malware.
Secure Wi-Fi is also important for protecting your computer. If you’re connected to a public network, you should use a VPN connection. Downloading should only be done from trusted and reliable websites. For example, a good ransomware defense strategy for your Android phone includes downloading apps only from Google Play Store.
Effective malware software can also help you stop hackers from encrypting your files. Many antivirus companies offer affordable antivirus and anti-ransomware products. If you aren’t using one, read our reviews, pick a product, and install it. You’ll be glad later if the worst comes to pass.
ZoneAlarm has been on the market for more than 20 years. The company offers a wide range of internet security products for PC users, all designed to protect devices from viruses, malware, and other online threats. The company has also developed one of the best ransomware protection software offerings for Windows users. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with antivirus software from ZoneAlarm and other companies, so there’s no excuse for not giving your devices full protection.
ZoneAlarm uses behavioral analysis, meaning it detects unusual activities on your computer. When it detects ransomware being launched, the software can block the ransomware attack and protect your files.
Files already attacked and encrypted by ransomware can be recovered using ZoneAlarm’s auto file-restoration feature. ZoneAlarm immediately restores all encrypted files - images, text files, even databases. Users rate ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware highly among the available anti-ransomware software solutions because it is powerful enough to fight against attacks intended to lock the entire hard disk, not just individual files.
ZoneAlarm is straightforward to use. When you fire it up, it displays the current health of your computer. When the software detects a potential threat, it warns you with a pop-up notification. With a single click, you can disable the ransomware, halt its encryption program, and restore all files that have been encrypted.
ZoneAlarm Windows 10 ransomware protection costs $25.95 for a single computer per year. There is no free trial, but the company has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the product, you get your money back. ZoneAlarm is a great solution for anyone who needs to protect personal or professional information from hackers.
Malwarebytes provides great malware protection for all operating systems. It has products for individuals as well as for large enterprises, and the company recently released a ransomware protection product. Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware is still undergoing beta testing, but it is already, in its not-quite-final form, one of the best solutions to protect your devices from malicious apps.
Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware is a module that comes with Malwarebytes Premium. This package includes antivirus protection that can remove all kinds of viruses and spyware from your computer. It costs $39.99 per year for a single device. Once you have Malwarebytes Premium, you can use Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware for free.
Like ZoneAlarm, Malwarebytes ransomware protection works on the basis of behavioral monitoring. The system protects your devices from ransomware apps that can encrypt your files. It detects changes to key files and registers a notification upon identifying suspicious actions.
Despite the fact that the software was still in beta testing during the preparation of this article, it did a good job of detecting common ransomware like TeslaCrypt, CTB-Locker, and Cryptowall.
This ransomware detection tool is really easy to install and use. It works in the background with minimal impact on system performance. The software tracks and detects ransomware encryption in real-time so you can react immediately.
The company also claims that the tool can recover hacked files with one click. You can roll back files or the entire hard disk to a pre-attack state.
Malwarebytes ransomware software has only three buttons: Dashboard, Quarantine, and Exclusion. When the system is active, the dashboard shows you that the system is protected. The exclusion feature is really important, because you can exclude files that you don’t want to be scanned – and thereby avoid false positive results. This ransomware protection is still in development, so it can have some bugs – meaning it can falsely identify some safe apps as threats. In case the software detects apps as false positives, you can press Exclude and move them out of quarantine.
The company has been dealing with antivirus and decryption solutions since 1985 and has a huge client base of approximately 400,000 organizations.
You can use this software to protect your personal Mac or Windows computer, your mobile device, and even virtual machines and cloud-based infrastructure. When it comes to mobile devices, Sophos Intercept X works on all the major operating systems: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS.
For those interested in ransomware protection for Mac, this software might be an excellent solution as it detects threats both on your device and your network at large. What’s even better is that it can also detect threats that might be transferred from your Mac or your network to connected Windows computers. If only mankind were that good at preventing viruses transmitted from bats and pangolins...
Another great feature of Sophos Intercept X is that it updates regularly and automatically. It also outshines the competition when dealing with false positives: The program rarely blacklists legitimate software and pages.
There are two main types of scans you can perform with this software: on-access scanning and on-demand scanning. If you’re looking for complete ransomware protection, you can scan on demand to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. With this approach, you can scan pretty much any data on your device.
Sophos Intercept X is designed mostly for midsize and large companies, as well as organizations with many endpoints to protect. The software has many features and can be a bit complex when it comes to its various technical components, but once you familiarize yourself with them, you’ll have plenty of advanced options to use.
Kaspersky has provided internet security services to individuals and businesses for more than 20 years. This vendor has millions of clients around the world who use its products to shield their critical systems from cyberattacks and malware.
Kaspersky ransomware protection is a powerful tool that can be used with other antivirus software. Kaspersky says its ransomware tool protects files and systems from all types of ransomware, including TeslaCrypt, Petya, WannaCry, Bad Rabbit, and many others. Kaspersky offers the best ransomware protection for business and individual users alike.
Basic Kaspersky ransomware protection is free. It protects your PCs (up to five of them) from ransomware attacks by preventing hackers from accessing your files. However, if you want to be sure your devices are 100% safe from malware and protect devices with operating systems other than Windows, Kaspersky’s paid version is probably a better choice than counting on its free ransomware protection utility.
Ransomware protection is a feature of premium packages for individual users and companies. Each package allows you to protect multiple devices - up to 10. Kaspersky provides great Mac ransomware protection, but it can also protect Android and iOS devices. You can install this tool easily and quickly, and it won’t put a strain on your computer’s resources and slow it down.
Kaspersky’s ransomware prevention is behavior-based, meaning that it tracks and detects threats before the ransomware encrypts your files. Kaspersky can scan for ransomware and block threats with speed and precision.
On the flip side, this tool relies solely on prevention and can’t help you with files that have already been encrypted. This can put you on a slippery slope should its protection from ransomware fail since you won’t be able to use it to decrypt infected files.
Unlike other companies on our list, Acronis primarily provides backup and cloud services, but it also has great internet security products. The Swiss vendor has developed Acronis True Image, which combines full disk-image backup with security features for your devices.
This package comes with the best free ransomware protection and cryptocurrency blocking tools. However, if you’re looking for an all-purpose antivirus security and protection utility that includes ransomware protection, Acronis might not be the best choice for you.
This is the best ransomware protection for a Windows server. It does a great job of blocking malware and viruses, but you won’t get a lot of other tools like parental controls or free VPN.
The Acronis True Image anti-ransomware tool uses AI technology and machine learning for ransomware detection. You can prevent cyberattacks with the Acronis Active Protection system, which uses behavioral analysis to detect and prevent ransomware’s efforts to lock your files.
PDF files, documents, images, Excel spreadsheets, and practically everything else you store on your computer can become the target of a cyberattack. This type of malware is extremely dangerous because thieves can block access to all your personal data. Even if you pay the ransom, there is a good chance you’ll never see your files again.
This ransomware protection for servers and home devices keeps your data safe while protecting your network. Its powerful engine can detect almost all types of ransomware.
Acronis Active Protection generates two lists - a black list and a white one. The white list includes apps and programs that have permission to make changes and perform file functions. This is how the system reduces false positive results. Based on learned behavior, the Acronis ransomware protection system can successfully detect new threats - which makes it one of the most sought-after anti-ransomware protection programs on the market.
Let’s take a look at Avast - a top-rated antivirus company with millions of users. Avast publishes a wide range of products that protect users’ valuable data from malware and ransomware threats.
Avast’s ransomware decryption tool is Avast Ransomware Shield, an intelligent system that uses machine learning to protect users from cyberattacks. This feature is part of the Avast Premium Security package. It is available for all platforms and it helps you protect multiple devices.
Protection from ransomware Avast-style relies on three methods. Firstly, Avast can detect repeated failed login attempts and react by blocking the IP address from which these attempts have originated. Secondly, Avast secures known vulnerabilities of various operating systems and prevents hackers from exploiting them. Finally, Avast blocks all IP addresses that are known to spread malware.
Avast offers arguably the best protection against ransomware because Ransomware Shield scans files automatically. You can decide which folders you want to secure and disable unauthorized access entirely. Of course, you can allow trusted apps to access folders and make changes to your files.
Avast has a user-friendly interface for managing Shield’s activity. Avast Shield isn’t enabled by default, so you need to open the Protection tab and activate this option to protect yourself from ransomware.
Looking to protect a macOS or Android device? Bitdefender comes with excellent malware protection and robust ransomware tools to suit your needs. Bitdefender is a reputable company that provides complete internet security and protection products for desktop and mobile devices.
Each package comes with ransomware protection, but we recommend Bitdefender Total Security. Not only will that provide you with robust features that can remove practically all spyware, malware, and viruses, but you’ll also get a VPN subscription, anti-phishing protection, firewall, and the Bitdefender anti-ransomware tool. With the Total Security product, you can secure up to five devices for $39.98 per year.
When it comes to ransomware security features, Bitdefender has thrown all its resources at the problem. The company has developed an advanced engine that can detect ransomware attacks and prevent them from spreading to other files. This multilayer ransomware removal tool prevents unauthorized access to your apps.
The Bitdefender ransomware remediation feature automatically stops ransomware encryption and makes backups of your files. As soon as the threat is resolved, you can restore your files.
As mentioned, Bitdefender anti-ransomware is part of all Bitdefender packages, but you can’t purchase it separately.
The installation process of any of the company’s antivirus systems works smoothly and quickly. However, the ransomware remediation tool is not automatically enabled. So after you set up the software, you must turn it on manually.
To avoid false-positive results, you can add apps you trust and use to the Exceptions list, so the scanner won’t detect them as threats.
One of the reasons Bitdefender is on this list is that it provides excellent Android ransomware protection.
This panda comes from Spain and is one of those all-around solutions for staying protected at all times and on all fronts. Panda Dome’s security suite is stacked with features that keep hackers, identity thieves, and other cybercriminals at arm’s length.
Panda Dome’s cutting-edge security solutions, including ransomware protection, typically go for above-average prices. However, with over 30 million users, it seems that Panda Dome’s security services are as good as the price tags suggest.
The most affordable (and basic) plan is Panda Dome Essential, followed by the Advanced, Complete, and Premium options, each offering a different level of protection. The software is optimized for cross-platform use, protecting your operating system, be it Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android.
When it comes to its ransomware protection tool, Panda Dome relies on its Data Shield. This better-safe-than-sorry solution monitors specified folders for abnormal activity and bans access to unauthorized software.
Regular users may find some of the premium features unnecessary. Still, if you take your online safety seriously, you’ll very much appreciate additions such as the VPN, which will protect your anonymity while you browse the internet. Moreover, parents can monitor their kids’ online activity using the Panda Family feature.
Being one of the best options for protection against ransomware, Panda Dome doesn’t come cheap. Starting at $26.24 per year for the basic single-device plan and going all the way up to $197.24 per year for the Premium plan with unlimited devices, it’s certainly not the most affordable solution on our list.
That said, if you’re concerned about your security, paying a bit extra for this antivirus software could be the right call. With a slick and easy-to-navigate interface, plenty of tools to keep you safe, and a robust VPN that comes with the Premium plan, Panda Dome offers one of the most comprehensive protection software solutions you can find.
Next on our list is NeuShield, a company that was crowned the “Best Ransomware Protection Solution” at the Info Security PG’s 2019 Global Excellence Awards.
What’s special about NeuShield’s ransomware software is its unique approach to handling and detecting ransomware. Rather than searching for malicious software that requires constant updates and signatures, it focuses on reversing the effects of a ransomware attack.
It does that with its most praised feature - the Mirror Shielding option. This unique ransomware shield provides a protective barrier around your data, like a tarpaulin over a car. It tricks attackers into believing that they have access to original files. But they’re actually seeing a mirror image of them.
Dealing with various types of ransomware has taught NeuShield a lesson. The company’s main program, NeuShield Data Sentinel, is the first on the market to offer ransomware tools capable of recovering damaged data without a backup. Instead of backing up the entire disk, the disk writes are redirected, and the boot sector of a drive is protected from aggressive ransomware strains that try to take over the boot process.
Let’s not forget that local files on your PC are not the only ones affected by ransomware attacks. If these are synchronized with cloud drives, all the devices connected to them are going to be in danger. Data Sentinel enables its users to recover all the data with a single click, even when offline.
Antivirus, backup, and cloud-service companies all offer products that can help you to protect PCs, mobile devices, and servers from ransomware attacks. The criteria we use to evaluate the best products are these: price, usability, recovery features, and antivirus protection.
The best ransomware product in the world is of no use if you can’t afford it. That’s why price is always a consideration.
Luckily, these products are all affordable and they all offer great value. Although less expensive versions are tempting, read through the specs and consider the high stakes. Paying a bit more for a lot more protection may be your best strategy. Of course, there are free ransomware software solutions that make the price issue moot, but they’re typically not good enough to defeat a serious ransomware hack.
The next metric is usability. Most vendors offer excellent ransomware protection for Windows 10, but Windows is not the only operating system that can be affected by ransomware. We gave higher ratings to products that protect almost all operating systems, including MacOS, iOS, and Android.
This is the most important feature. These products are designed to detect ransomware behavior and stop the encryption of your files immediately. The best of them recover encrypted files and stop the ransomware attack in its tracks.
A good antivirus system is crucial in preventing ransomware attacks. Features like VPN, anti-phishing options, and spyware blockers can help you avoid malicious sites and apps.
Online and offline backup is also a useful feature. If the anti-ransomware software solution you buy isn’t able to decrypt your files, you’ll be glad to have up-to-date backups.
Antivirus products have the ability to defend you from malicious software by blocking access to unauthorized apps or unreliable websites. Most antivirus systems detect spyware, viruses, and almost all malware threats and send you popups and alerts to warn you. Antivirus products also come with VPN protection, password manager, and many other security tools.
However, even the best antivirus programs are not sufficiently powerful to protect your devices from ransomware attacks. When purchasing ransomware protection software, you should look at solutions with tools that stop encryption-based malware attacks. Ransomware is not like other viruses. The hackers’ toolkits are constantly evolving, so even the best antivirus programs are not able to detect them and prevent the attacks.
The best programs for helping you avoid ransomware attacks use behavior-based monitoring so they can detect suspicious action. They can prevent ransomware attacks and even recover encrypted files. Some of them use whitelist technology that prevents unauthorized apps from making changes to files.
Any of the products on our list can help you foil attacks and protect your data. We were very impressed by the ransomware protection from Malwarebytes, even though it is still in beta testing. It’s free if you purchase the company’s Premium antivirus package – that’s our favorite price.
In our Acronis ransomware protection review, we noted that the company offers cloud backup services in addition to its great ransomware product. That makes Acronis the perfect choice if you’re looking to protect a server. If you’re looking for ransomware removal for Windows 10, on the other hand, you can’t do better than ZoneAlarm.
Most ransomware attacks render data unusable, but some hackers grab a copy before encrypting the information. Businesses, governments, and individuals with valuable data are the usual targets for ransomware attacks. But you can be targeted even if you don’t have any information that is of value to anyone else, and you can find your PC locked down and unusable.
This is why you should use computer ransomware protection and regularly back up your files. Even the best ransomware removal utility can’t stop every attack, so you should use a comprehensive antivirus program too, just to be on the safe side.
Yes. With the Avast Premium Security package, you also get Avast Ransomware Protection. This antivirus program has a ransomware shield that blocks cyberattacks. Currently, this is one of the best ransomware protection utilities on the market. The Avast shield blocks almost all known ransomware variants.
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