Can a system be encrypt a second time by hackers

[Big 0]

Hi, 

just a question. Can a system be encrypt a second time by hackers if it is encryped with Eset Ful Disk Encryption? 

If YES, how can this be prevented?

[itman 1,924]

Whether existing files are encrypted has no effect on if they can be encrypted by ransomware. It will just encrypt the existing files again. The difference is if the files are uploaded by the attacker, they are of no use to him due to the original encryption.

[Big 0]

17 hours ago, itman said:

Whether existing files are encrypted has no effect on if they can be encrypted by ransomware. It will just encrypt the existing files again. The difference is if the files are uploaded by the attacker, they are of no use to him due to the original encryption.

Thanks a lot for your answer. It answers my question. 🙂👍

[Kstainton 42]

Hi @Big,

To add to itmans' reply:

I assume as you mentioned EFDE, you are coming at this from a Full Disk Encryption point of view, rather than File Encryption.

The answer is yes, someone could encrypt over the top of EFDE, customers have accidentally done this with Bitlocker in the past and thus have to Decrypt EFDE via our ESET Recovery Tool to regain access to their system.

However, to answer your question, to prevent hackers using Malware or Ransomware to encrypt your device we would recommend protecting your device with ESET Endpoint Security.

Thank you.