8 Best Anti Ransomware Tools You Must Be Using In 2017

by islam ahmed 

Short Bytes: In the recent past, ransomware has emerged as one of the most challenging cyber security threats. This has demanded the need for anti ransomware tools that one needs to use. Some of the notable tools like Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, Kaspersky, etc. use advanced methods to take preventive measures and block such attacks. Many ransomware removal and decryptor tools are also available for getting back your files.

Over the course of past year, we kept telling you about different ransomware attacks, including the likes of Locky, Cerber, Jigsaw, KeRanger, etc. Many security experts also called ransomware the biggest threat we would see in upcoming months. This prediction came true with the arrival of WannaCry ransomware.

WannaCry ransomware, which used 2 NSA hacking tools leaked by ShadowBrokers, was able to infect hundreds of thousands of computers running unpatched Windows systems. It has been predicted that such threats are only going to increase in upcoming months. So, apart from following the basic internet security practices, what should you do? If you wish to save you Windows PC from threats like ransomware in future, it would be a good idea to take a look at our list of the best anti ransomware tools for 2017:

Top anti-ransomware tools in 2017

1. Bitdefender anti-ransomware and antivirus

In our article of top antivirus software of 2017, Bitdefender topped the list. The multidevice license of Bitdefender lets you select the preferred platform and enjoy advanced features like malicious URL blocking, on-demand scan, etc. But, what about ransomware protection?

Talking about Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, it’s a complete suite that kills most types of Trojans, ransomware, and malware. Its ransomware protection in Bitdefender allows you to choose folders that one wants to be protected. This anti ransomware tool of Bitdefender comes with a flexible configuration as compared to other solutions. You can also use Bitdefender’s free anti ransomware tool that runs silently in the background provides protection against ransomware like WannaCry, Locky, TeslaCrypt, Petya, etc.

2. Malwarebytes anti-ransomware tool

In the recent times, while talking about best anti ransomware tools and anti-malware solutions, Malwarebytes appears towards the top of the lists. Due to the sophisticated nature of ransomware, many basic security software fail to prevent you. To save yourself from such threats, you need solutions like Malwarebytes.

Malwarebytes 3, which promises to deliver all-round protection like Bitdefender, comes with a great anti ransomware tool that protects your files. Apart from ransomware threats, Malwarebytes also protects you from fake websites and links. It wraps the programs and browser into 4 defense layers and stops attacks that exploit different vulnerabilities. Last year, the company also launched Malwarebytes Anti-ransomware Beta.

3. Kaspersky anti ransomware tool

The reputed cyber security firm Kaspersky offers a dedicated tool to numb the ransomware infections. Created for keeping businesses and small organizations safe from ransomware, this tool is available as a free download. Just like most of the security suites, you don’t need Kaspersky Lab security suite to be installed on your computer. You can download this great anti ransomware software by visiting this link and add an extra layer of protection.

Just like Bitdefender and Malwarebytes, the primary product of the company, Kaspersky Internet Security, comes loaded with anti-ransomware functionality. It also tells you about notorious websites and links to make your internet browsing experience even better.

4. Trend Micro Security

Trend Micro Security is another antivirus suite that comes with a great anti ransomware tool that minimizes the risk of infection. The latest release of Trend Micro antivirus comes with a strong focus on ransomware removal software and protects you from WannaCry ransomware.

It comes with a Folder Field feature that adds an extra defense layer to files inside a protected folder. It prevents notorious ransomware from encrypting your files. The Folder Field feature prevents every process or service from accessing the file inside that particular folder. The company also ships Ransomware Screen Unlocker tool for ransomware removal from infected PCs.

5. Avast Antivirus

Ransomware malware are known for holding your important files in ransom and demanding money in return for access. So, one must use a reputed software to recognize, remove, and prevent ransomware. Consistently rated excellent by experts, Avast 2017 deals with prevalent threats like ransomware in an efficient manner.

In Avast 2017, the company integrated AVG’s behavior analysis technology named Behaviour Shield. It sniffs the software for suspicious behavior and exposes the sample of ransomware by analyzing the code behavior. The company claims that Avast Behaviour Shield is capable of stopping new ransomware variants, which makes it one of the top anti-ransomware software around. Avast also provides multiple ransomware decryptors for removing ransomware and decrypting your files.

6. Zemana Antimalware

Based in Turkey, Zemana specializes in security for business and home users. They claim to make security programs with an easy-to-use interface for general users. After the initial launch of Zemana AntiLogger, the company launched Zemana AntiMalware which was designed to scan and clear a computer from malware. It also provides real-time protection and browser cleanup functions.

Zemana Antimalware is based on its own signature database that removes the known and yet-to-be-born malware threats. One of the plus points of Zemana Antimalware is its lightweight and highly optimized nature that stores the virus definitions in the cloud to avoid cluttering the PC. In many independent security tests, including MRG Effitas, Zemana Antimalware was judged the best anti ransomware tool that one can use. It’s available in two versions. While the one with limited features is free, the commercialized version comes with a 14-day free trial.

7. McAfee Ransomware Interceptor

In the times like these where ransomware threats like WannaCry lock down people’s computers and demand ransomware, the need for an efficient anti ransomware software isn’t disputed. McAfee is a renowned name in the realm of cybersecurity. So, it would make sense for a McAfee product to make an appearance on this list of the best anti ransomware tools.

Here, I’m going to tell you about McAfee Ransomware Interceptor (MRI). It’s an early detection tool that prevents the file encryption attempts made by a malware. By utilizing, machine learning and heuristics, this anti ransomware tool monitors and terminates the processes that resemble the characteristics of ransomware. Currently, this product is available for Windows 7 and later.

8. Tools to remove ransomware and decrypt files

In the points mentioned ahead, I’ll list some of the popular means to remove ransomware from your computer and decrypt files. These ransomware removal tools are useful when your computer is infected with ransomware and you need to get rid of them —

• Nomoreransom.org website is backed by top security and tech giants. Here, you can upload encrypted files and find a free decrypting solution.
• Noransom.kaspersky.com is another online source that provides ransomware decryptor and removal tools.
• Avast, Trend Micro, AVG, and McAfee too provide tools to get rid of ransomware.

Did you find this list of the best anti ransomware tools useful? Don’t forget to share your views and feedback.