This case documents the successful recovery of a Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 database following a critical infection by the .wstop ransomware. Despite the encryption of the server’s file system, our team successfully extracted the data, ensuring zero business disruption for the client’s ERP operations.

Client & Data Information

• Client Name: Confidential
• Data Type: SQL Server 2008 R2 (.MDF)
• Data Capacity: 15 GB
• Ransomware Extension: .wstop

Incident Summary

The client’s server was compromised by the .wstop ransomware, which encrypted all production files and appended the .wstop extension. This attack immediately paralyzed the company’s ERP system. Upon arrival, our engineers performed a forensic analysis of the 15 GB database and determined that while the file was marked as corrupted, the internal data blocks retained a high level of integrity.

Technical Analysis

The .wstop variant typically targets file headers to prevent standard software from recognizing the file type. Our analysis revealed:

• Structure Retention: The core relational structure of the SQL 2008R2 tables remained intact beneath the encryption layer.
• High Integrity: Testing showed that the data pages were not fully overwritten, making block-level reconstruction highly effective.
• Tool Compatibility: The Excellent SQL Database Recovery Tool was utilized to bypass the damaged OS layer and interact directly with the raw data sectors.

Recovery Solution

The recovery involved a specialized rebuilding of encrypted blocks. Instead of attempting to decrypt the entire server—which is often impossible without the attacker’s key—we focused on the surgical extraction of data from the .wstop-infected SQL files. This allowed for a rapid return to service without the risks associated with paying a ransom.

Recovery Process

Forensic Diagnostics: Analyzing the .wstop encryption pattern on the 15 GB SQL file.

Block-Level Reconstruction: Repairing and rebuilding the encrypted blocks within the database file.

Advanced Data Extraction: Using the Excellent SQL Database Recovery Tool to pull clean data from the corrupted container.

Integrity Validation: Verifying the consistency of the SQL 2008 R2 schema and table relations.

ERP Deployment: Confirming the database is ready for immediate use by the client’s ERP software.

Recovery Results

• Recovery Integrity: 100%
• Recovered Files: SQL Server 2008 R2 Database
• System Status: Successfully restored; ERP system back online.
• Total Recovery Time: 2 Hours

Expert Reminder from Shenzhen Excellent Data Recovery Center: Frequent backups are essential for data security. If you suffer a .wstop infection, contact professionals immediately. We provide a 100% recovery guarantee for specific database failures, regardless of the volume of data.