Ransomware attacks can cripple businesses, especially if critical data like financial records, manufacturing logs, etc., gets encrypted. Recently, cybercriminals encrypted the systems of one of our clients using the MKP (Makop) ransomware. One of the affected systems contained vital Tally software data. It included accounting, inventory, payroll, and GST compliance records—going back five years—all of which were encrypted, causing immediate turmoil.
A file named “readme-warning.txt” was added to each affected folder, containing the ransom demand and instructions. But as with most ransomware operations, there was no guarantee that the hackers would cease further attacks or even release the decryption key. Facing this uncertainty, the client turned to Stellar’s Ransomware Data Recovery Service.
This article walks you through how Stellar’s ransomware recovery experts intervened, examined the corrupted Tally files, and eventually recovered the crucial data and helped get the client’s business back on track.
The Challenge
As soon as Stellar Data Recovery’s technicians received the 240 GB SSD and conducted a thorough inspection, they realized how widespread the encryption was. Every Tally file on the drive was encrypted, corrupted, and completely unreadable due to the MKP ransomware attack.
Important accounting databases were locked behind the virtually unbreakable AES256 encryption, all file names and extensions were changed, and the directory structures were warped. Even simple file integrity checks failed, and conventional recovery tools were unable to read the data.
The next section explains how our team of ransomware recovery experts had to repair corrupted Tally files, select recoverable bits, and rebuild crucial database components from scratch. Their experience and technical insight allowed them to move closer to a significant recovery in spite of the severe corruption.
How Stellar Restored Tally Software Data Infected by MKP Ransomware
Relying on their knowledge of the Makop family of ransomware, the experts at Stellar Data Recovery – Nehru Place used advanced techniques to inspect the infected Tally data. The team started by cloning the drive and then working internally on each impacted data file, meticulously examining the structure and finding corrupted database sectors. They fixed corrupted parts, fixed broken references, and stabilized the essential files needed for Tally to operate using sophisticated professional database recovery tools.
Because even small discrepancies could stop the data from opening in Tally Prime, this step required accuracy. Before proceeding to the next stage, the professionals double-checked the structural integrity of the repaired files.
Once the repair was completed, our experts checked whether the recovered data was correct by cross-verifying the specific entries the client needed. Our data recovery experts specifically repaired the Manager, Trans Manager, Aggr, ExtMngr, LinkMgr, SecTran, Stat Status, and VchStatus files so that the data could be read.
After the file structure was reconstructed, they were loaded on Tally Prime to check whether they were accurate. After carefully going over the recovered entries, our client verified that the recovered data was correct. This confirmed that Stellar Data Recovery successfully restored the client’s vital financial data through careful restoration, clever reconstruction, and several validation cycles.
Many people are still unaware of how ransomware can disrupt businesses and personal data. That’s why we’ve created an easy-to-follow series explaining ransomware threats, how they spread, and how you can protect yourself—explore our ransomware awareness series today.
For deeper insights into ransomware trends and strategies to safeguard your business, watch our Co-Founder & Director, Manoj Dhingra, in an exclusive interview with ETCISO, where he shares expert advice and real-world experiences:
Wrap Up
Ultimately, this case confirms the fact mentioned in the beginning—ransomware attacks can cripple entire businesses. Our client had to deal with that fact, but they were able to take back control of their business by contacting Stellar Data Recovery instead of making risky ransom payments. Our team helped the company get back on its feet by restoring the encrypted Tally data through professional analysis, cutting-edge recovery methods, and careful restoration.
See how Stellar successfully recovered data from ransomware attacks across different devices and industries:
Ransomware attacks are rising rapidly, targeting businesses and critical systems like never before. To help organizations stay protected, our experts shared actionable insights and tips in a special Hindustan Times feature: read our feature on ransomware.
