How To Recover Data From Virus Infected USB HDD?

Summary: Virus infected USB HDDs can result in severe data loss. But data recovery is possible. And this blog delves deep into the methods of how to recover virus infected files from USB Hard Drive. Two reliable methods to recover data from virus infected USB HDD – Stellar data recovery software and Stellar data recovery service  – are also explained. Further, we discuss the cause of virus infection in USB HDD, prevention methods, and some FAQs. Get FREE Quote

Have a virus infected USB HDD? The most severe consequence you’d have to deal with is Data Loss.

That doesn’t just mean you won’t be able to see your old photos, videos, and files anymore. It can have financial repercussions too.

The best way to avoid that? Get immediate data recovery solutions.

In this blog, we will walk you through:

• How Viruses Infect USB Devices?
• How To Recover Hidden Files From Virus Infected USB? [2Methods]
• Case Study: Recovery From Virus Infected USB HDD – Logical Case
• Tips To Prevent USB From Getting Infected By Virus
• FAQs

How Do Viruses Infect USB Devices?

There are several ways in which viruses can infect USB drives. Let’s look at some of the common ways before moving to data recovery from a virus-infested USB Hard Drive.

Ways Viruses Infect USB Devices	Explanation
AutoRun and AutoPlay Exploitation	Viruses automatically execute when a USB device is connected to a computer.
Fake USB Devices	Hidden malware on counterfeit USB devices can infect the host computer upon connection.
Infected Computers	Viruses can spread from an infected computer to a connected USB device.
Drive-By Downloads	Visiting malicious websites or clicking on infected links
Malicious File Transfers	Transferring infected files from a computer to a USB device
Social Engineering	Attackers trick users into opening infected files or running malicious scripts.
Exploiting Vulnerabilities	USB devices can get infected when connected to computers with unpatched software vulnerabilities.
Malicious Software Updates	Viruses pose as legitimate software updates, tricking users into installing malware.
Infected Public Computers	Using USB drives on public computers that are already compromised.
Supply Chain Attacks	Viruses can be introduced during the manufacturing process of USB devices.

How To Recover Hidden Files From Virus Infected USB?[2Methods]

1. Stellar Data Recovery Software

Stellar Data Recovery Software is a comprehensive tool. It enables you to solve “how to recover Virus Infected files from USB”.

It scans the USB device, detects recoverable files, and facilitates their restoration.

Here’s the process of data recovery using the tool:

Stellar Data Recovery software has a 98.6% recovery rate. And with that, you can recover:

• Various types of files, including documents, emails, photos, videos, and more.
• Unlimited file formats from different storage devices.
• Data from formatted, corrupted, and encrypted drives.

2. Stellar Data Recovery Service

If data recovery software doesn’t work, you should get professional data recovery services.

Stellar Data Recovery Service is a reliable service you can trust as they recover 30+ petabytes of data every year and it can solve your problem of “how to recover hidden files from Virus Infected USB“.

Here’s the 4-step data recovery process:

Case Study: Recovery From Virus Infected USB HDD – Logical Case

Client: Individual

Goal: Recover data from the virus-affected drive

Approach: Stellar Data Recovery – Mumbai performed the data recovery

Challenges Faced:

• The USB Hard Drive was affected by Virus
• It was a LaCie D2 USB EXTERNAL DRIVE(3.5) HDD
• Doc, .xls, PDF, photos, and videos had to be recovered from the USB HDD

Stellar Data Recovery’s Process:

• Initial Analysis revealed that the entire drive is affected by Virus. And when connected to the system the data was not visible.
• Usually, in Ransomware cases folders are accessible but the file extensions are changed. But in this case, we are unable to see any data inside the drive. Hence, it was not a ransomware case.
• We disconnected the Internet to avoid the virus transmitting to our system.
• Then, the USB drive was scanned and we were able to find the entire data of the drive under the Antivirus folder called Kaspersky. All the data was hidden inside this folder.
• We recovered the data but it was in hidden format even after the recovery.
• We removed the hidden data using commands in the command prompt. Then finally, we were able to recover the entire data in the working format.
• We further suggested the client use proper antivirus in the future.

Client Feedback:

The client was very happy with the data recovery. They verified the data and confirmed that they got back all the data that was saved in the past eight years.

Tips To Prevent USB From Getting Infected By Virus

Here are some handy tips to prevent USB from getting Infected by viruses in the future.

• Use Reliable Antivirus Software: Install and regularly update reputable antivirus software.
• Enable Automatic Updates: Keep your operating system, antivirus software, and other applications updated.
• Disable AutoRun and AutoPlay: Disable the AutoRun and AutoPlay features on your computer to prevent the automatic execution of viruses.
• Scan USB Devices Before Use: Scan USB devices with antivirus software before opening or transferring files.
• Avoid Using Public Computers: Refrain from using USB devices on public computers.
• Beware of Suspicious Emails and Attachments: Avoid opening email attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.
• Use USB Devices from Trusted Sources: Purchase USB devices from reputable manufacturers. Avoid using devices of unknown or untrusted origin.

• Educate Yourself on Social Engineering: Learn about common social engineering tactics to avoid falling victim.
• Enable Firewall Protection: Activate and configure a firewall to block unauthorized access.
• Backup Important Data: Regularly backup your important data to an external storage device or cloud storage.

Additional Reading: Solutions To Recover Flash Drive Data

FAQs

1. How can I tell if my USB HDD is infected with a virus?

Some telltale signs of a USB HDD being infected with a virus are:

• Unusual file names or extensions
• Sudden and unexplained changes in file sizes/formats.
• Slowdown or unresponsiveness of the computer when connected to the USB.
• Unauthorized creation or modification of files and folders on the USB HDD.

2. Can I recover all types of files from a virus infected USB HDD?

Yes. If the files themselves are not corrupted, you can recover all types of files from a virus-infected USB HDD. These file types include documents, photos, videos, and more.

3. What should I do if the virus keeps re-infecting the USB HDD?

If the virus keeps re-infecting the USB HDD:

• Disconnect the drive from all systems and refrain from further recovery attempts
• Then, consult with a professional data recovery service provider or an experienced technician
• Ensure proper virus removal before attempting recovery again.

Recovering data from a virus infected USB HDD can be a complex process. But with the right tools and guidance, it is possible to retrieve valuable information.

And remember: Data recovery should be approached with care and patience to maximize the chances of successful recovery. All of your questions about “how to recover files from USB with virus” will also be answered by this.

Additional Reading: Recover Data from USB Flash Drives