Can Hacked Data Be Restored to Its Original State? Here's the Explanation

Jakarta, INTI – Cyber attacks are becoming more frequent with the rapid advancement of technology. One of the most worrying types of attacks is data breaches. When data has been hacked, a common question is whether it can be restored to its original state. Here’s the explanation.

Impact of Data Breaches

Data breaches can cause various losses for individuals and organizations. These losses can include the loss of personal information, damage to reputation, and significant financial losses. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, global losses due to cybercrime are expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.

Data Recovery Efforts

Recovering hacked data is not an easy task and requires several important steps. Here are some steps that can be taken to recover hacked data:

1. Identify the Type of Attack: The first step in recovery is identifying the type of attack that occurred. Whether it’s ransomware, malware, or phishing attacks, each type requires different handling.
2. Isolate Infected Systems: It is important to immediately isolate infected systems to prevent the attack from spreading to other systems. This can be done by disconnecting from the internet and connected networks.
3. Use Data Backups: Regular data backups can be lifesavers in this situation. If there is a recent data backup, the hacked data can be restored from the backup.
4. Use Data Recovery Software: There are various data recovery software available that can be used to try and recover encrypted or deleted data by hackers.

Challenges in Data Recovery

Although recovery steps can help, there are several challenges that may be encountered in the process:

1. Unrecoverable Data Loss: Not all hacked data can be recovered. Depending on the level of damage and the methods used by hackers, some data may not be salvageable.
2. Time and Cost: Data recovery requires time and significant costs. Companies must be prepared to spend money on recovery software, expert manpower, and other operational costs.
3. Risk to Backup Data: If backup data is not securely maintained, there is a risk that the backup could also be infected by malware or ransomware.

Successful Data Recovery Cases

There have been cases where hacked data recovery was successful. One example is the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017. Thanks to collaborative efforts from various cybersecurity organizations and technology experts, much data was successfully recovered. However, this case also highlights the importance of having strong security systems to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Prevention Steps

To prevent data breaches, here are some preventive measures that can be taken:

1. Regularly Update Security Systems: Ensure that all systems and software used are always updated with the latest security patches.
2. Use Antivirus and Firewalls: Install and use trusted antivirus and firewalls to protect systems from malware and virus attacks.
3. Cybersecurity Training: Provide employees with training on good cybersecurity practices, such as recognizing phishing emails and the importance of keeping passwords confidential.
4. Regular Data Backups: Perform regular data backups and ensure that the backups are stored in a safe location separate from the main system.

Can hacked data be restored to its original state? The answer is yes, but it is not always easy and not always fully successful. Recovery efforts require the right steps and often involve significant costs and time. Therefore, prevention is the key to protecting data from hacker attacks.

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