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 business operations.

Overview:

This case study demonstrates how Stellar successfully recovered critical business data from a ransomware-affected 4-layer virtualization system. The client, a leading automotive components and systems manufacturer and supplier, 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 safety and security systems for automobiles, is committed to making India a world-leader in automotive safety sector. 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 technical .dwg drawings, ZIP archives, and other MS Office documents, were at risk, disrupting their operations.

System Specifications:

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

The highly complex OneFS 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 (Sparsh Virtual Machines) drive sequence.
Customizing Tools: Leveraged proprietary tools designed by Stellar’s R&D team (based on the drive sequence) to decrypt ransomware-affected files 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 uncorrupted. Our quick and effective operations helped them get back to business without any delays.

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Want to know how we’ve helped others recover from ransomware attacks? Check out more malware-related case studies and see why customers trust Stellar!

Conclusion:

This case underscores Stellar’s unmatched expertise in resolving complex data loss scenarios involving ransomware attacks and virtualization systems. By employing innovative techniques, custom-designed tools, and meticulous processes, we reaffirmed our position as a trusted leader in ransomware data recovery services by preventing a potential crisis that could have paralyzed the client’s business operations.

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 could be exploited by ransomware

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 the most 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.

These tips from Stellar’s experts will help 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.