How to decrypt .sage files and get rid of the corresponding ransomware

New ransomware called .sage file virus encrypts computer data using military-grade crypto systems. Those algorithms are strong enough to withstand any brute-force attack longer than any user can possibly wait. The encryption issues a decryption key. A sophisticated dispatching ensures its arrival to the remote server and the deletion on the machine compromised.

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The infection belongs to the same group of extortion viruses as CryLocker. However, the Trojan displays a range of unique traits making it a stand-alone piece of ransomware. The one on the surface is the extension added to the files encrypted. It is not the most critical modification. However, it enables victims to identify the threat. Here is some slippery, though. Please note that other extension might occur within the strain of .sage encryption plague.

The .sage ransomware propagates with a number of schemes. It is basically available from its developer on a number of darknet forums. Infiltrating into such a community and getting a copy for further propagation does not require any magic skills. In the case of IT security, that provides a chance for scrutinizing the malware in order withstand its attacks in a more efficient way. Hopefully, this opportunity will not be wasted.

As regards the particular infection vectors, the spamming prevails. The scammers leverage target spamming. This variety involves hacking an actual account so that the spam could be targeted against the contacts available in the address book. The hacker may read the communication between the owner of the hacked account and the victim, hence elaborate the attack.

Surprisingly, opening the infecting email and even the infected attachment does not immediately execute the malicious payload. It is the user who is to activate the macro in the infecting file. The macro unpacks the infection into a random folder on the host machine. The installation tends to engage Windows native files so as to reduce the risk of early detection.

The installed instance of .sage virus would scan your PC for a range of extensions. Basically, the only exceptions apply to system files. These need to remain intact or else the victim cannot read what the crooks want. Once the encryption completes, the virus releases a ransom note. It demands the payment in bitcoins. Converted to fiat currency, the sum would amount to USD 150 or 300. Despite the price is relatively cheap as other such viruses would seek much more, any payments to the crooks should be avoided. The submission does not guarantee the expected decryption, yet provide extra incentive to further deploy the ransoming campaigns.

To get rid of the encryption by .sage ransomware and any related damages kindly proceed with the guidance below.

Automatic removal of .sage file virus

The benefits of using the automatic security suite to get rid of this infection are obvious: it scans the entire system and detects all potential fragments of the virus, so you are a few mouse clicks away from a complete fix.

  1. Download and install recommended malware security suite
  2. Select Start Computer Scan feature and wait until the utility comes up with the scan report. Proceed by clicking on the Fix Threats button, which will trigger a thorough removal process to address all the malware issues compromising your computer and your privacy.

Restore files locked by .sage file virus

new Locky variant aka .sage file virus represents a unique category of malicious software whose attack surface reaches beyond the operating system and its components, which is why removing the virus itself is a part of the fix only. As it has been mentioned, it encrypts one’s personal information, so the next phase of the overall remediation presupposes reinstating the files that will otherwise remain inaccessible.

  • Launch data recovery software

    Similarly to the rest of its fellow-infections, .sage file virus most likely follows an operational algorithm where it erases the original versions of the victim’s files and actually encrypts their copies. This peculiarity might make your day, because forensics-focused applications like Data Recovery Pro are capable of restoring the information that has been removed. As the virus further evolves, its modus operandi may be altered – in the meanwhile, go ahead and try this.

  • Take advantage of Volume Shadow Copy Service

    This technique is based on using the native backup functionality that’s shipped with Windows operating system. Also referred to as Volume Snapshot Service (VSS), this feature makes regular backups of the user’s files and keeps their most recent versions as long as System Restore is on. .sage file virus hasn’t been found to affect these copies therefore the restoration vector in question is strongly recommended. The two sub-sections below highlight the automatic and manual workflow.

  • a) Use Shadow Explorer

    Shadow Explorer is an applet that provides an easy way of retrieving previous versions of files and folders. Its pro’s include an intuitive interface where the computer’s entire file hierarchy is displayed within one window. Just pick the hard disk volume, select the object or directory to be restored, right-click on it and choose Export. Follow the app’s prompts to get the job done.Shadow Explorer

  • b) Use file properties

    Essentially, what the above-mentioned Shadow Explorer tool does is it automates the process that can otherwise be performed manually via the Properties dialog for individual files. This particular approach is more cumbrous but just as effective as its software-based counterpart, so you can proceed by right-clicking on a specific file, which has been encrypted by .sage file virus, and selecting Properties in the context menu. The tab named Previous Versions is the next thing to click – it displays available versions of the file by date of the snapshot creation. Pick the latest copy and complete the retrieval by following the prompts.Previous Versions

  • Data backups work wonders

    Ransomware like .sage file virus isn’t nearly as almighty and destructive in case you run regular file backups to the cloud or external data media. The virus itself can be completely removed in a matter of minutes, and the distorted information can then be just as easily recovered from the backup. Luckily, this is a growing trend, so ransom Trojans are hopefully going to become less subversive in the near future.

Verify thoroughness of the removal

Having carried out the instructions above, add a finishing touch to the security procedure by running an additional computer scan to check for residual malware activity

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