Case Study

Data Recovery from Ransomware-Affected Virtualization System

A critical ransomware attack led to complete data inaccessibility, threatening the integrity of the customer's virtualization environment and ongoing operations.

Overview:

This case study demonstrates how Stellar successfully recovered critical business data from a ransomware-affected, 4-layer virtualization system. The client, a leader in natural resource management, faced a potential operational crisis due to inaccessible virtual drives caused by encryption and a highly complex storage environment.

Client Background:

Our client, a pioneer in natural resource management, is committed to making India self-reliant. With extensive operations across the country, their reliance on high-capacity storage systems is critical for managing essential data.

Addressing Key Challenges in Data Recovery:

A ransomware attack hit the client’s system, locking their 4-layer virtualization setup and blocking access to their virtual drive. Critical files, like MS Office documents and technical drawings, were at risk, disrupting their operations.

System Specifications:

RAID Configuration: 4-layer virtualization with 25 x 900GB SAS drives
Device: EMC-BPE25
File System: WAFL
Operating System: Windows Server
Affected Files: MS Office documents, PDFs, ZIP files, technical drawings

This highly complex setup and the encryption caused by ransomware made the recovery process exceptionally challenging.

Image Source: Stellar Data Recovery Lab

Data Recovery Actions & Approach:

Stellar devised a customized approach to address the client’s unique recovery requirements:

Diagnosis: Conducted an in-depth analysis of the 4-layer virtualization system to identify the root cause of data loss.
Drive Cloning: Created byte-to-byte clones of all 25 SAS drives to preserve the integrity of original data.
Rebuilding System Architecture: Reconstructed the RAID configuration and mapped the system’s drive sequence, including Sparsh virtual machines.
Customized Tools: Leveraged proprietary tools designed by Stellar’s R&D team to counter ransomware encryption and resolve WAFL file system challenges.
Deep Scanning: Performed advanced scanning techniques to recover critical files from 14 logical unit numbers (LUNs).

Data Recovery Success:

Stellar recovered 100% of the client’s data, with all files intact and corruption-free. Our quick and effective work helped them get back to business without any delays.

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Conclusion:

This case underscores Stellar’s unmatched expertise in resolving complex data loss scenarios involving ransomware and virtualization systems. By employing innovative techniques, tailored tools, and meticulous processes, Stellar reaffirmed its position as a trusted leader in ransomware data recovery services, turning a potential crisis into a seamless success for the client.

Preventive Tips to Protect Against Ransomware Attacks by Stellar Experts:

Backup Your Data Regularly

Regularly back up your important files on secure offline or cloud storage to avoid permanent loss and ensure quick data recovery if needed.

Keep Your Software Updated

Regularly update your operating systems, applications, and antivirus software to fix vulnerabilities that ransomware exploits.

Strengthen Password Security

Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an added layer of security.

Be Cautious with Emails

Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, as phishing emails are a common ransomware tactic.

Use Reliable Security Solutions

Install and update trusted antivirus and anti-malware programs to detect and block threats proactively.

Secure Your Network

Use firewalls, enable encryption, and segment your network to limit ransomware's ability to spread.

Educate Your Team

Conduct regular training for employees to recognize and avoid phishing scams and other cyber threats.

Develop an Incident Response Plan

Prepare a step-by-step plan for responding to ransomware attacks to minimize damage and downtime.

With these tips from Stellar’s experts, you can safeguard your business from ransomware threats and ensure better protection for your critical data. For advanced support, trust Stellar’s data recovery services.

Business Need

The client required immediate recovery of vital business data encrypted by ransomware to avoid prolonged downtime and operational losses.

Solution Approach

Stellar’s tailored recovery process involved cloning drives, mapping the system’s complex architecture, and customizing proprietary tools to recover inaccessible data effectively.

Result

100% data recovery was achieved, restoring essential files and enabling the client to resume operations seamlessly.