You turn on your computer and see a message — your files have been encrypted, and someone is demanding hundreds or thousands of dollars in Bitcoin to unlock them. Your documents, photos, and business files are suddenly inaccessible. The panic is immediate. Do not pay the ransom. This guide explains exactly what to do right now, and how IT Cares can remove ransomware from your computer remotely across Canada — often the same day.
What Is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files — documents, photos, videos, spreadsheets — making them completely inaccessible. The attacker then demands payment (usually in cryptocurrency) in exchange for the decryption key. Common ransomware families that affect Canadian users include LockBit, Ryuk, STOP/Djvu, Dharma, and Phobos.
Most ransomware arrives via phishing emails with malicious attachments, compromised remote desktop (RDP) connections, or malicious downloads disguised as software cracks or fake updates. Small businesses and home users in Canada are frequent targets because they often lack enterprise-level security.
What to Do Immediately After a Ransomware Attack
Speed matters. The ransomware may still be actively encrypting files in the background. Take these steps right now:
Disconnect from the Network Immediately
Unplug the Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi. Ransomware can spread laterally across a network, infecting shared drives, other computers, and backup drives connected to the same network. Isolation stops the spread.
Do NOT Restart the Computer
Restarting can trigger additional payload execution or destroy forensic evidence needed to identify the ransomware strain. Leave the machine running but disconnected from the network.
Do NOT Delete the Ransom Note
The ransom note file (often README.txt or HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt) contains the ransomware ID, strain name, and sometimes contact information. This information is critical for identifying whether a free decryptor exists for your strain.
Photograph the Ransom Screen
Use your phone to photograph the ransom demand screen and note the file extension your encrypted files now have (e.g., .locked, .crypt, .djvu). This helps identify the strain.
Can Ransomware Be Removed?
Yes — the ransomware program itself can almost always be removed from your system. Ransomware is malware like any other, and it can be detected and deleted by professional tools and experienced technicians. The more complex question is whether your files can be recovered, which is a separate issue from removal.
Removing ransomware stops the encryption process, prevents future damage, and allows you to safely use your computer again. It does not automatically decrypt already-encrypted files.
How IT Cares Removes Ransomware Remotely
Our remote ransomware removal process is designed to be fast, safe, and thorough. Here is what happens when you contact us:
Secure Remote Connection via AnyDesk
We connect to your computer remotely using AnyDesk, a secure screen-sharing tool. You see everything we do on your screen in real time. No one has access without your permission and you can disconnect at any moment.
Identify the Ransomware Strain
Using the file extension, ransom note, and specialized identification tools, we determine the exact ransomware family. This is critical — different strains require different removal approaches and may have free decryptors available.
Isolate and Remove the Malware
We boot into a safe environment (Safe Mode or using bootable rescue tools) and run multiple removal scans using professional-grade tools to eliminate all ransomware components, related trojans, and persistence mechanisms.
Attempt File Recovery
We check for Windows Shadow Volume Copies (often deleted by ransomware, but not always), cloud backup versions, and available free decryptors. If a decryptor exists for your strain, we apply it.
Harden and Protect Your System
Once clean, we close the attack vector that allowed the infection (usually an RDP vulnerability or phishing-related issue), update Windows and security software, and help you set up a proper backup strategy.
Need This Fixed Right Now?
IT Cares fixes this remotely in 30 minutes or less — from $59. No fix = no charge.
Will Your Files Be Recovered?
This is the question everyone wants answered, and we will be honest: it depends. Here is a realistic breakdown:
- If you have an external backup or cloud backup (OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud): Very high chance of full recovery. We remove the ransomware and restore from backup.
- If Shadow Volume Copies survived: Good chance of partial to full recovery. Many ransomware strains try to delete shadow copies but do not always succeed.
- If a free decryptor exists for your strain: Full recovery is possible. Check nomoreransom.org with your file extension.
- If none of the above: The encrypted files cannot be recovered without the private key. We will be upfront about this before you pay anything.
This is exactly why having an automated backup strategy is essential — and why we include backup setup as part of every ransomware recovery job.
How to Prevent Ransomware in the Future
After recovering from a ransomware attack, protecting yourself going forward is critical. These are the most effective preventive measures:
- Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: 3 copies of data, on 2 different media types, with 1 offsite (or cloud). Use Windows Backup, Backblaze, or Acronis.
- Keep Windows and all software updated: Most ransomware exploits known vulnerabilities that are already patched — just not applied.
- Disable RDP if you do not need it: Remote Desktop Protocol is the #1 entry point for ransomware targeting businesses. If you do not use it, disable it.
- Use a reputable email filter: Most ransomware arrives via phishing emails. Microsoft 365 Defender or Google Workspace spam filters catch the majority of malicious attachments.
- Install a reputable antivirus with ransomware protection: Malwarebytes Premium, Bitdefender, or Windows Defender with Controlled Folder Access enabled all provide real-time ransomware blocking.
- Train yourself and your staff: Do not open email attachments from unknown senders, and never download software from unverified sources.
Need This Fixed Right Now?
IT Cares fixes this remotely in 30 minutes or less — from $59. No fix = no charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most cases. The ransomware executable itself can almost always be removed from your system without paying. The harder part is recovering encrypted files — which depends on whether you have backups, whether shadow copies exist, or whether a free decryption tool is available for that specific strain. Check nomoreransom.org first.
Yes. IT Cares provides remote ransomware removal across all of Canada — including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Halifax, and every city in between. Remote service means our technician connects securely to your computer using AnyDesk — no travel required.
Ransomware removal typically takes 1–3 hours depending on the strain and how deeply it has embedded itself in the system. File recovery (if backups or shadow copies exist) can take additional time. We give you a realistic estimate once we identify the strain.
If no backup or shadow copy exists and no free decryptor is available, the encrypted files cannot be recovered without the private key. We will be honest with you upfront. In this scenario, we still remove the ransomware, clean the system, and help you set up proper backups so this never happens again.
IT Cares charges from $99 for ransomware removal. The exact price depends on the complexity of the infection and how much recovery work is needed. We operate on a no fix = no charge basis, so if we cannot remove it, you do not pay.
Comments
Woke up to find all my files renamed with a .djvu extension and a ransom note demanding $980 USD. Called IT Cares and they connected within 20 minutes. Turns out there was a free decryptor for my strain and they recovered about 90% of my files. The remaining ones they recovered from a Windows shadow copy I didn't even know existed. Incredibly relieved — do NOT pay the ransom, call these guys first.
Our small business network got hit with LockBit on a Friday afternoon. IT Cares had us isolated, cleaned, and back up with a backup strategy in place before Monday morning. Fast, professional, and they explained everything they were doing the whole time. Worth every dollar.
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