5 Best Ransomware Protection Software (Free & Paid)

Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system resources. This type of malware encrypts the user’s files and holds them hostage until the victim pays the ransom amount. Extortionware or Cryptoware are other names of it. Ransomware uses a key to encrypt the entire computer or important data. And then they’ll demand payment in exchange for the key. Anti-ransomware software helps in the detection and prevention of ransomware malware before it infects the computer. A list of the best anti-ransomware software is provided below.

Best Ransomware Protection Software

These tools are best to vaccinate your computer to protect from Ransomware attacks. Check these Best Anti Ransomware Software tools.

1. Acronis true image (Data backup + Cyber security)

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In 2021 Acronis has really surprised me by launch of its latest product Acronis True image 2021. Because they have integrated the antivirus and anti-ransomware feature in it. This is an outstanding combo against ransomware protection as it provide double protection data backup as well as cyber security. If you are a business owner then it is a must have product against ransomware.

In a ransomware attack the most important thing is the data. So data backup is a most important thing. And Acronis is a well known name in data backup and recovery software. In this product they provide some good functionalities like creating backup image, syncing data regularly, Taking backup in the cloud or in an external drive. It also provides data backup with encryption functionalities.

Under cyber security it provides real time protection against virus, malware, ransomware and illicit mining. They have added the functionality that if a user has already installed another security product then it will disable the Realtime protection automatically. But still users can use its antivirus as an on-demand scanner. Its anti-ransomware protection will still work.

2. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm is a standalone anti-ransomware software which is compatible with all other antivirus software. They claims on their website that it is capable to restore the encrypted files automatically in case of ransomware attack.

3. Kaspersky anti-ransomware tool

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Kaspersky offers this tool free for personal use as well as for business use with some limitations. But For some more advanced protection you have to purchase the paid option. However, All the Kaspersky paid products includes this anti-ransomware functionality.

4. HitmanPro.Alert with Cryptoguard

HitmanPro.Alert is now a separate product from the Hitman Pro. But users who bought HitmanPro.Alert with cryptoguard get the Free Hitman Pro Scanner. So HitmnaPro.Alert is a combination of HitmanPro Antimalware and Realtime blocking of malware and crypto viruses. Hence it is a deadly combination against ransomware attack. It also uses behavioral technology and cloud scanning to give a zero day protection.

It has unique technologies to stop the threats before they start damaging anything. Moreover it even protect from unknown threats. It includes a CryptoGuard Technology to stop the Crypto-Ransomware which are also known as Cryptoware or Cryptolocker. Its behavioral based protection technology keep you protected from these high intensive threats even when your trusted program or files get hijacked. HitmanPro.Alert is also focused on Anti-Espionage like Webcam Notifier, Keystroke Encryption, BadUSB protection etc. Overall, Hitman.Pro.Alert is an all in one solution having Anti-Ransomware, Anti-Exploit, Anti-Malware and Anti-Espionage features.

Features of Hitman Pro Alert

• Prevents exploit codes running from the data memory.
• CFI to stop Advanced ROP attacks.
• Protection from process hijacking.
• CryptoGuard to stop Ransomware.
• Privacy and Espoinage Protection.
• Browser Protection.
• Integrated Anti-Malware Scanner.
• Network Lockdown to stop attacks.
• Advanced threat reporting with advanced technical data for forensic analysis.
• HitmanPro Scored 100% in test conducted by MRG-Effitas lab to stop exploit and its was the only one scoring this score.
• Perfectly capable of protecting from CTB-Locker, Locky, TeslaCrypt, Zeus, Shylock, SpyEye, Sinowal, Ice-IX, Citadel, Cridex, Carberp, Tinba and more type of Ransomware.

5. Malwarebytes

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Malwarebytes improved its previous version which was only known for its antimalware features. It has now integrated its Malwarebytes anti ransomware (Previously CryptoMonitor), Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit, And PUP Protection (Formerly AdwCleaner). Overall it is a suite of multiple layer of protection which provide great protection against malware, ransomware or any other exploit. On other hand it has also a malicious website protection feature which let you stop from visiting dangerous or infected websites.

Previously all these tools were available separately to download, But from version 3 Malwarebytes integrated all these tools into single package. Overall it is a complete security package and can be used in place of antivirus software. It includes the features like : Web protection from malicious websites, Exploit protection, Malware & virus protection, Ransmoware protection.

6. EMET

Download Microsoft Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit

Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET) is a free security tool provided by Microsoft for windows users to enhance security defenses to defend third party vulnerable applications against exploits. EMET uses 12 specific techniques to prevents exploits. It has features like Data Execution Prevention, Mandatory Address space layout randomization, structured exception handler overwrite protection, export address table filtering, SSL/TLS certificate trust etc.

7. Zemana Anti-Malware

Download Zemana Anti Malware

Zemana is also in our list of Best Antimalware Software. We are also keeping it in the list of Best Ransomware protection tools because it scored top in the independent test labs to give strong protection against some dangerous Ransomware. We also found it very effective as adware removal tool. Certainly it is one of a great security product which is worth to try. We recommend to keep at least 2 second opinion scanner. Zemana was previously known for best anti-keylogger software and now it is a complete protection system integrated with cloud scanning with multiple antivirus engines and anti exploit features. It has an inbuilt feature to protect against ransomware attacks and exploits.

Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit

As this product has been already integrated into Malwarebytes So we are skipping it from our list of best anti ransomware.

Download Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit

This tool is not specially designed for Ransomware Protection but as we mentioned in the starting of the article that Ransomware enters into the system with the help of exploits. So this Anti-exploit tool can help you to protect from mostly all type of threats to a great extent. Malwarebytes Anti-Exploits stop the attacks which try to enter into the system by finding vulnerability in the system. There are some inbuilt shields in the system for the the Browsers, Browser Addons and Java Shield. You can also create your own custom shield for third party software but this feature is only available in Premium version. It include features like Protection against OS security bypasses, Memory Caller Protection, Application behavioral protection, Java Shield, Browsers & Addons Shields, Custom Shield for any software.

Bitdefender Anti Crypto Vaccine and Anti-Ransomware (Not Much Effective)

Not longer available to download

Bitdefender released the latest version of its Cryptoware Vaccine and changed its name to Anti-Ransomware instead of Anti-Cryptowall. Now it can protect users from CTB-Locker, Locky & TeslaCrypt Ransoware. It is a Free Software tool for everyone to download from Bitdefender Labs. It is a very simple tool just download and install it and it reside on your system tray to keep you protected from Ransomware. Please keep in mind that it is simply a protection tool and there is no removal functionality in it. But for the Ransomware which is not easy to get rid of, this saying is perfectly fit on it that “Prevention is better then cure”. So keep yourself prepared from these nasty money pulling bad software.

Is there any ransomware removal tool or software?

Decrypting an encryption key is not easy. So once you become victim, then hope are almost none. But, I found some hope and discover a tool which may decrypt the ransomware encryption. For detail guide please refer to their documentation before doing anything. Though, It could be risky and you can lost your data permanently. So it is better to keep a backup copy of your data and follow the instructions carefully. Read detailed guide here.

Trend Micro Ransomware file decryptor tool

How does antiransomware software help to protect against ransomware attacks?

Ransomware require an exploit to enter the system and get itself activated. Exploits are programs which look vulnerability into your system to find out a way to enter into the system and then call other serious Trojan and Ransomware in the system. After that they attack the computer and block the access of important data by encrypting it. So primarily if a software is able to provide protection against exploits, Then it can stop the ransomware to a great extent . This is where the anti-ransomware software can help to stop the ransomware attacks.

It is one of the growing threat these days. Even FBI is not fully able to control them. So we have to keep ourselves aware about these threats to avoid them. Ransom is taken in bitcoin format, which is not traceable to track the hacker. If you are a business owner then we suggest you to consider a good paid Internet Security Suite for your protection. Because ransomware mostly target the businesses. So they need more attention towards it. Here is a list of best business antivirus software to choose from.

Can ransomware protection software help in the recovery of lost data?

Though recovering damage done by these Ransomware is almost impossible but you can remove the exploits and stop them entering again in your system. Though they were some decryptors available in the market, but mostly they are not working as ransomware keep themselves evolving day by day, so it is not possible to decrypt the data. Even a supercomputer needs hundreds of year to break the 256 bit encryption. So it is almost impossible.

Now the question is how can we block these ransomware and protect our system from attacks. Actually like Antivirus there are antiransomware software available in the market. Even some good antivirus companies have included this feature in their antivirus software as well. Checkout these Best free antivirus software having ransomware protection feature.

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