Hackzone Cyber Security Blog

Category: Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts or locks the files on a computer or network and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key or a way to unlock the files. It typically spreads through phishing emails, malicious links, or unpatched software vulnerabilities. Once the files are locked, victims are asked to pay a ransom to regain access to their own data. Ransomware attacks can cause significant financial and operational damage to businesses and individuals.

2025 ransomware data recovery steps without paying ransom

How to Recover Data from a Ransomware Attack: 2025 Step-by-Step Guide (No Ransom Paid!)

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On February 9, 2025

In CyberSecurity, Ethical Hacking, Malware, Ransomware

Understanding Ransomware in 2025

I’ll never forget the panic I felt when a client’s entire project database was locked by ransomware last year. The demand? $50,000 in Bitcoin. But here’s the thing: we didn’t pay. Instead, we used a mix of backups and decryption tools to recover everything. Ransomware has evolved since then—2025 variants are sneakier, often disguising themselves as routine software updates. But the core truth remains: paying ransoms fuels crime and doesn’t guarantee data return.

Immediate Steps to Take Post-Attack

Don’t panic. Act fast. The moment you spot encrypted files or a ransom note:

  1. Disconnect from the internet—unplug Ethernet cables, turn off Wi-Fi.
  2. Power down affected devices to prevent malware spread.
  3. Alert your team (or family, if it’s personal).

I once saw a small business lose weeks of work because an employee ignored a “system update” pop-up. Quick action could’ve saved them.

Isolate the Infected System

Isolation is critical. Last month, a friend’s smart fridge (!) became a ransomware gateway. Yes, a fridge. They disconnected it, then quarantined other devices on the network. For you:

  • Use a separate VLAN for critical systems.
  • Disable shared drives until the threat’s contained.

Identify the Ransomware Strain

Not all ransomware is created equal. Tools like ID Ransomware (still relevant in 2025) can pinpoint the variant. Why does this matter? Some strains have free decryption keys. For example, the “LockBit 4.0” wave last quarter had a patch released within days.

Restore from Backups (Your Lifesaver!)

If you’ve got backups, you’re golden. But test them first. I learned this the hard way when a client’s “verified” backup was corrupted. Follow this:

  1. Use offline or cloud backups (avoid synced networks).
  2. Restore incrementally—check for hidden malware.
  3. Encrypt backups after recovery to prevent re-infection.

Pro tip: Automate backups with tools like Acronis or Veeam. Schedule weekly tests.

Use Decryption Tools (When Available)

Sites like No More Ransom collaborate with cybersecurity firms to release free tools. In 2025, AI-driven decryptors can crack certain strains in hours. For instance, Emsisoft’s Decryptor v7.2 recently dismantled the notorious “Crypzilla” variant. Always verify tool legitimacy—fake decryptors are a common scam.

Leverage Data Recovery Software

When backups fail, tools like Disk Drill or Stellar Data Recovery can salvage fragments. Last year, I recovered 80% of a photographer’s portfolio this way. Remember:

  • Avoid installing software on the infected drive.
  • Use a clean device to analyze the encrypted drive externally.

Rebuild and Strengthen Your System

Post-recovery, never reuse the same setup. Wipe drives, reinstall OS, and patch vulnerabilities. A hospital I worked with skipped patching once—hackers breached them again in 48 hours.

Implement Future-Proof Security Measures

  1. Zero Trust Architecture: Assume every access request is a threat.
  2. AI-Powered Threat Detection: Tools like Darktrace predict attacks before they strike.
  3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Mandatory for all accounts.

When to Call a Professional

If the ransomware exploits a zero-day vulnerability or encrypts enterprise-level databases, hire experts. Firms like CrowdStrike or Kaspersky offer 24/7 incident response.

Final Thoughts: Staying One Step Ahead

Ransomware recovery isn’t just tech—it’s mindset. Update protocols, train teams, and never assume you’re immune. As I tell my clients: “Backup like you’ll be hit tomorrow.”

2025 ransomware recovery steps: isolating devices, restoring backups, using decryption tools

How to Recover from a Ransomware Attack: 11 Proven Methods (2025 Expert Guide)

By

On February 9, 2025

In CyberSecurity, Ethical Hacking, Malware, Ransomware

Table of contents

Let me start with a confession: I’ve seen firsthand how ransomware can cripple businesses. In 2025, these attacks aren’t just smarter—they’re relentless. But here’s the thing: recovery is possible. Whether you’re a small business owner or an IT professional, these 11 methods will guide you through the chaos.

1. Stay Calm and Isolate the Infection

Panic fuels mistakes. The moment you detect ransomware, disconnect infected devices from the network. Unplug Ethernet cables, disable Wi-Fi, and power down critical systems. I’ve watched clients lose entire servers because they hesitated here. Don’t let fear override logic.

Pro Tip: Label isolated devices with sticky notes—it sounds low-tech, but it prevents accidental reconnection.

2. Assess the Damage and Identify the Strain

Not all ransomware is created equal. Use tools like ID Ransomware to identify the variant. Is it LockBit 4.0 or a new AI-driven strain? Knowing this shapes your recovery strategy. Last year, a client avoided paying a $2M ransom because we recognized a decryption tool existed.

3. Contact Law Enforcement and Cybersecurity Experts

Reporting the attack isn’t just about compliance—it’s about resources. Agencies like CISA (2025’s upgraded Cyber Incident Reporting Office) often provide free decryption keys. Partnering with a certified incident response team accelerates recovery. Trust me, going solo here rarely ends well.

4. Restore from Clean Backups

If you’ve maintained offline, encrypted backups (you do have these, right?), now’s the time to deploy them. Test backups for integrity before restoring. One hospital I worked with lost weeks of data because their backups were silently corrupted.

Quick Check: Follow the 3-2-1 rule—3 copies, 2 formats, 1 offsite.

5. Use Decryption Tools (If Available)

Sites like No More Ransom offer free tools for strains like Phobos or WannaCry. In 2025, AI-powered decryptors can crack some newer variants. But beware: fake tools abound. Verify sources through official channels.

6. Patch Vulnerabilities Immediately

Ransomware exploits unpatched flaws. Update operating systems, firewalls, and legacy software. Automate patches where possible—human delays cost a logistics firm $800k last quarter.

7. Reset Credentials and Strengthen Authentication

Assume all passwords and API keys are compromised. Enforce MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) and switch to phishing-resistant methods like FIDO2 keys. I’ve seen attackers linger in systems for months using stolen credentials.

8. Monitor for Lingering Threats

Advanced ransomware hides dormant payloads. Deploy EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) tools to sniff out anomalies. One financial client found a secondary attack lurking in their HR system weeks later.

9. Communicate Transparently with Stakeholders

Silence breeds distrust. Inform employees, customers, and partners about the breach—without revealing tactical details. Draft templated responses in advance. Honesty preserved a tech startup’s reputation after a 2024 attack.

10. Conduct a Post-Attack Audit

Why did the breach succeed? Was it a phishing email? Outdated software? Hire a third-party auditor to dissect the incident. Turn their findings into a prevention roadmap.

11. Invest in Proactive Prevention for the Future

Recovery is reactive. Prevention is power. In 2025, AI-driven threat hunting and zero-trust architectures are non-negotiable. Train employees with simulated phishing drills. Budget for cybersecurity like your business depends on it—because it does.

Final Thoughts

Recovering from a ransomware attack is grueling, but not impossible. I’ve walked clients through this nightmare, and the ones who succeed combine speed, expertise, and transparency. Start with isolation, lean on experts, and rebuild smarter.

Remember: The best defense is a layered strategy. Don’t wait for the next attack to tighten your safeguards.

What’s New in CEH v13: A Comprehensive Guide to the Latest Updates 🚀

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On September 18, 2024

In Artificial Intelligence, Bug Bounty, Capture-the-Flag, CyberSecurity, Distributed Denial of Service, Ethical Hacking, Malware, Network Security, Phishing Attack, Ransomware, Trojan

As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying ahead of the cyber criminals is crucial for cybersecurity professionals and ethical hackers. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) v13 certification offers a range of exciting new features designed to help ethical hackers in this fast-paced environment. With the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced hands-on labs, and a stronger focus on technologies like IoT and cloud security.

In this article, i’ll guide you what’s new in CEH v13 and why these changes are important for today’s cybersecurity perspective. 🌐🔒

Table of contents

1. AI and Machine Learning: The Core of CEH v13 🤖

One of the most exciting updates in CEH v13 is the integration of AI and machine learning into ethical hacking practices. With cyber threats growing more sophisticated, traditional methods are no longer enough. CEH v13 harnesses the power of AI to help ethical hackers anticipate and counter breaches more effectively.

How AI Enhances Threat Detection 🚨

AI enables ethical hackers to detect patterns and anomalies that traditional tools might miss. It can quickly sift through enormous data sets, identifying threats in real time. For instance, AI can analyze network traffic and flag irregular behavior, such as DDoS attacks, malware injections, or zero-day exploits.

AI-Powered Ethical Hacking Tools 🛠️

With AI, tools like automated vulnerability scanners and AI-based malware detectors are now essential. CEH v13 ensures ethical hackers master these advanced tools, making them more adept at countering cutting-edge threats like deepfakes, AI-generated malware, and automated phishing attacks.

2. Hands-On Labs: Real-World Simulations 💻

CEH v13 takes hands-on labs to the next level by offering immersive, real-world scenarios that mirror today’s cyber threat landscape. These labs help ethical hackers build the practical skills needed to combat AI-driven attacks.

Immersive Simulations for Skill Building 🎯

Participants engage with virtual environments that simulate modern attack vectors, including AI-powered threats. From defending against automated malware to bypassing AI-driven firewalls, these labs are crucial for mastering both defensive and offensive tactics.

Training for Modern Cyber Threats ⚔️

CEH v13 labs focus on both offensive and defensive operations, especially in cloud environments, IoT ecosystems, and AI-enhanced infrastructures. Ethical hackers can now practice securing systems against cutting-edge threats in a controlled, virtual setting.

3. New Attack and Defense Techniques 🛡️

CEH v13 expands on traditional hacking techniques by introducing new, AI-driven attack and defense methods, keeping ethical hackers ahead of cybercriminals.

AI-Driven Offensive Strategies 🎯

Attackers are using AI to launch automated phishing campaigns, create deepfakes, and deploy AI-generated malware. CEH v13 prepares professionals to counter these threats by teaching them how to leverage AI for ethical hacking, enabling faster identification and neutralization of vulnerabilities.

AI-Enhanced Defense Mechanisms 🛡️

On the defense side, AI enables the creation of automated response systems that react to threats in real time. CEH v13 emphasizes using machine learning algorithms to detect and neutralize cyber threats with minimal human intervention, allowing for faster, more efficient responses.

4. Emerging Technologies: IoT, Cloud & Blockchain 🌐

With emerging technologies like IoT, cloud computing, and blockchain gaining traction, CEH v13 places a significant focus on securing these systems.

IoT Security 🔗

As IoT devices become more integral to daily life—from smart homes to industrial machines—securing them is even harder . CEH v13 equips ethical hackers with the skills to detect and mitigate vulnerabilities in IoT ecosystems, ensuring the safety of interconnected devices.

Cloud Security ☁️

As organizations move to the cloud, new security challenges emerge. CEH v13 teaches ethical hackers to safeguard cloud environments, including defending against cloud-native threats and securing multi-tenant architectures. This training is essential for protecting data integrity and preventing unauthorized access.

Blockchain Vulnerabilities 🔐

like you already know blockchain is secure by design, it’s not invincible. CEH v13 introduces ethical hackers to blockchain-specific vulnerabilities, helping them secure decentralized applications and cryptocurrency systems—crucial for those working in fintech or cryptocurrency security.

5. CEH v12 vs. CEH v13: What’s Different? 🔄

CEH v13 is a significant upgrade from CEH v12, offering enhanced tools, simulations, and a stronger focus on AI and emerging tech.

Key FeatureCEH v12CEH v13
AI IntegrationBasic introductionFully integrated AI in attack & defense
Emerging TechnologiesBrief overviewDeep dive into IoT, cloud & blockchain
Hands-On LabsLimited simulationsExtensive real-world scenarios

CEH v13 is all about giving ethical hackers AI-powered tools and practical, hands-on experience to face modern threats head-on.

6. Why CEH v13 Matters for Cybersecurity Pros 💡

Cybersecurity isn’t just about reacting to threats anymore—it’s about predicting and preventing them. CEH v13 is designed to prepare ethical hackers for an evolving threat landscape where AI, cloud security, and IoT vulnerabilities are at the forefront.

Stay Ahead of Cybercriminals 🕵️‍♂️

Cybercriminals are increasingly using AI-driven attacks and automated malware. CEH v13 provides professionals with the tools and knowledge to outsmart adversaries by leveraging AI technologies in both offensive and defensive roles.

Real-World Experience 🌐

CEH v13 isn’t just theory—its advanced labs offer real-world experience. Ethical hackers leave the course with the hands-on skills needed to apply what they’ve learned in practical, everyday situations, boosting their overall cybersecurity competence.

7. Conclusion: 🏆

CEH v13 is the future of ethical hacking. By integrating AI, machine learning, and a focus on emerging technologies, CEH v13 ensures cybersecurity professionals are ready to handle the threats of tomorrow. The advanced AI-driven tools, hands-on labs, and emphasis on real-world scenarios make this certification a must for anyone serious about succeeding in the cybersecurity industry.

Equip yourself with CEH v13 and stay ahead 🎯

Learn how to identify and prevent malware attacks with Suricata intrusion detection system rules

How To Detect Malware With Suricata Rules.

By

On February 1, 2023

In CyberSecurity, Distributed Denial of Service, Malware, Network Security, Ransomware, Trojan

Suricata is a highly efficient, open-source, and multi-platform network security engine that incorporates advanced Intrusion Detection System (IDS), Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), and Network Security Monitoring (NSM) technologies. Developed and maintained by the Open Information Security Foundation (OISF) community since 2009, Suricata offers a comprehensive solution for detecting and preventing network security threats.

As we already explained in this article, an IDS is a passive system that is responsible for monitoring the behavior of a network to detect and report on possible unauthorized intrusions, while an IPS is an active system that works as an extension of the IDS and that , in addition to sending alerts on detections, it can also block malicious activity within the network – such as brute force attacks, DDoS, or attacks that seek to exploit vulnerabilities – and create a log with the intrusion. All this from the traffic, the file signatures, and the heuristic analysis of the flow. Additionally, IPS allows adding policies and restricting access to users and / or even applications.

That said, the most common uses for Suricata are related to scanning network traffic and analyzing traffic logs within a sandbox or sandbox environment (such as running malware). However, we can also use this tool for creating rules in order to classify malware.

Testing Meerkat

Next, we are going to see a simple example of how to use Suricata for malware classification.

Suppose we have a machine destined to perform dynamic analysis of malware samples, we could add different Suricata rules to be able to classify the type of malware that is running according to the traffic.

In this case, while a sample of the Trickbot banking Trojan is running on the network , a .pcap file is generated with information on the behavior of the traffic.

Through the network flow generated by the malware and knowing its behavior, we could create some rules in Suricata in the /etc/suricata/

rules folder :

In this Image you can see the list of some rules that come by default when installing Suricata.

Before proceeding with the generation of the rule to detect Trickbot, we will see a short description of the basic fields to generate rules in Suricata:

Action HeaderRule Options
  • Action: corresponds to the action (drop, alert, etc.) that Suricata will perform when the rule is identified in the network flow.
  • Header: this section corresponds to the specific network flow to be analyzed. From origin to destination. With the word “any” we can tell Meerkat that all ports will be analyzed.
  • Rule: rule to implement to detect malware in our case. Within this field there are keywords that help us create our rule:
    • Msg: alert message that Suricata will issue.
    • flow: network flow.
    • Content: contains the character string to be searched within the traffic.
    • Reference: contains references, in this case we put a verification MD5 hash of a Trickbot sample.
    • Sid: ID of the identified rule.
    • Rev: version of the rule.
    • Classtype: provides information on the classification of rules and alerts.

Taking as an example the rule for Trickbot malware, let’s proceed to add the Suricata rule in the / etc / suricata / rules directory for its detection: We save our rule for Trickbot taken from the aforementioned repository

Now we go on to analyze the traffic with Suricata by executing the command:
sudo suricata -c /etc/suricata/suricata.yaml -r [file.pcap]:

The previous statement generates four files:

The eve.json file is the file that interests us the most at the moment, since it is the output file that provides information about alerts, anomalies, metadata, and even information about specific files and logs:

If we search for the name of the message “ Trickbot “ with the command:

grep “Trickbot” eve.json

We will see that our rule was able to detect the malicious file as Trickbot.

To close this proof of concept it is important to mention that Suricata is a very useful tool to perform Threat Hunting . It is capable of identifying network protocols (TPC, UDP, HTTP, ICMP, etc.) enabling real-time control of the traffic generated on our network and controlling the presence of possible malicious codes. The latter can be done through MD5 checks, as we saw in the Trickbot rule.

On the other hand, we also recommend reviewing the Suricata Open Source repository of Emerging Threats rules , where you can find rules that detect new threats.
install-Suricata-in-Linux

How to install Suricata in Linux.

By

On January 16, 2023

In CyberSecurity, Distributed Denial of Service, Ethical Hacking, Malware, Network Security, Ransomware, Trojan

Suricata is an open-source network intrusion detection and prevention system (IDS/IPS) that can be used to detect and prevent cyber attacks on a computer network. It uses a variety of techniques, including signature-based detection and protocol analysis, to identify and block malicious traffic.

Installing Suricata on a Linux operating system is a multi-step process that involves the following steps:

Table of contents

1. Verify that your Linux system meets the minimum requirements for running Suricata. This includes checking that you have a supported version of Linux and that you have the necessary dependencies installed.

A supported version of Linux: Suricata is compatible with various Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and CentOS. You can check your Linux version by running the command.
  • GCC compiler: Suricata requires a C compiler to build the source code. You can check if GCC is installed on your system by running the command
"gcc --version"
  • Libpcap library: Suricata uses the libpcap library to capture network traffic. You can check if libpcap is installed on your system by running the command 
"ldconfig -p | grep libpcap"
  • libyaml library: Suricata uses the libyaml library for parsing YAML files. You can check if libyaml is installed on your system by running the command 
"ldconfig -p | grep libyaml"
  • libjansson library: Suricata uses the libjansson library for JSON data handling. You can check if libjansson is installed on your system by running the command 
"ldconfig -p | grep libjansson"
  • libmagic library: Suricata uses the libmagic library to detect file types. You can check if libmagic is installed on your system by running the command 
"ldconfig -p | grep libmagic"

Please note that these commands are for checking the dependencies in Ubuntu and Debian based distributions. In other distributions, the package manager commands may be different, for example, in Red Hat-based systems, you should use yum instead of apt-get.

2. Download the latest version of Suricata from the official website (https://suricata-ids.org/download/)

3.Extract the downloaded package using the command 

tar -xvzf suricata-version.tar.gz

4. Change directory to the extracted package by running 

cd suricata-version

5. Run the command 

"./configure --prefix=/usr --sysconfdir=/etc --localstatedir=/var"

to configure the installation.

6. Run the command to build the source code.

"make"

7. Run the command to install Suricata.

sudo make install-full

8. Configure Suricata by editing the configuration file located at /etc/suricata/suricata.yaml.

9. Start Suricata by running the command

(assuming that the interface you want to listen on is eth0)

"suricata -c /etc/suricata/suricata.yaml -i eth0"

10. Verify that Suricata is running correctly by checking the output of the command 

sudo suricata -i eth0 --list-runmode-helpers

It’s always recommended to check the official documentation of Suricata for the specific version that you are installing and to be aware of the dependencies that your system needs to have installed before proceeding with the installation. It’s always recommended to consult the official documentation of Suricata for the specific version that you are installing and to be aware of the dependencies that your system needs to have installed.

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