Accounting Firm Recovers SQL Database from Ransomware in 24 Hours
Customer Quote
""When we saw the ransom note, our hearts sank. PC Risks didn't just fix the server; they found a backup we didn't even know we had and saved our entire business.""
The Situation
A mid-sized accounting firm found all their SQL Accounting data files encrypted with the .locked extension just two weeks before the tax filing deadline.
The Problem & Risk
Noticed Problem: The external hard drive used for daily backups was permanently plugged into the server, meaning the ransomware encrypted the backup files as well.
Business Risk: Losing 5 years of client financial data right before tax season would result in catastrophic reputational damage, potential lawsuits, and massive LHDN penalties for their clients.
Our Findings & Options
Diagnostic Findings: Our forensics team identified the entry point as an exposed RDP (Remote Desktop) port. While the local backups were destroyed, we discovered a partially configured cloud sync folder on the director's laptop that contained a database snapshot from 3 days prior.
Options Presented: Option A: Pay the RM50,000 ransom (No guarantee of decryption). Option B: Rebuild the environment, restore the 3-day-old database, and manually re-enter 3 days of work (Cost: RM8,500).
The Solution & Result
Approved Solution: The client chose Option B. We formatted the infected network, deployed a hardened Windows Server environment with closed ports, restored the database, and implemented immutable (air-gapped) cloud backups.
Measurable Result: The firm was fully operational within 24 hours. They avoided paying the ransom and successfully met the tax filing deadline with some overtime data entry.