How to remove SAGE 2.2 Ransomware and decrypt .sage files

What is SAGE 2.2 Ransomware

SAGE 2.2 Ransomware represents a potent and evolving cyber threat, building on its predecessor by encrypting critical data and demanding payment in exchange for decryption. This malicious software primarily targets Windows operating systems. Upon infiltrating a system, it encrypts user files, adding the distinctive .sage extension, effectively barring any access to the infected files. For instance, a file named document.txt would be renamed to document.txt.sage. The ransomware utilizes complex encryption algorithms that incorporate elliptic curve cryptography, making the decryption of files without the appropriate key exceedingly difficult. Victims first encounter the ransomware through a commandeered desktop wallpaper and a crafted ransom note named !HELP_SOS.hta. Presented in both audio and text formats, the ransom note is multilingual, targeting a wide audience by including languages like English, German, and Spanish. This message declares that data has been encrypted and insists that the only method to recover these files is by obtaining a unique decryption key in addition to the “SAGE Decrypter” software.

Decrypting SAGE 2.2 Ransomware files remains challenging, as there is currently no available decryption tool specifically designed to reverse the encryption inflicted by this ransomware. As each file is encrypted with a unique key, retrieving data without paying the ransom is almost impossible unless the attackers’ communication is somehow compromised, or a universal decryption key is released. Security experts continually advise against paying the ransom as it fuels the cycle of ransomware attacks and provides no certainty of data recovery. An alternative approach for victims is to rely on pre-existing backups stored on disconnected or cloud services to restore their data. However, for files exclusive to an affected system without backups, decryption is unlikely unless a breakthrough is made in cracking the encryption algorithms used by .sage. Until such technological advancements occur, users should focus on preventive measures such as maintaining robust security protocols and ensuring regular backups to mitigate the crippling impacts of ransomware attacks like SAGE 2.2.

How SAGE 2.2 Ransomware infects computers

SAGE 2.2 Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through deceptive methods, primarily exploiting user behavior and software vulnerabilities. One of the most common vectors is via phishing emails, where unsuspecting users are tricked into opening malicious attachments or clicking on harmful links, inadvertently downloading the ransomware onto their systems. Additionally, SAGE 2.2 can be delivered through compromised websites or drive-by downloads, which automatically download the malware when a user visits a malicious or compromised site. Cybercriminals might also exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software or operating systems, using them as a gateway to deploy the ransomware. Furthermore, it can spread through peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, malicious ads, or even bundled within pirated software, highlighting the importance of cautious browsing habits and keeping software up to date to mitigate the risk of infection.

1. Download SAGE 2.2 Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .sage files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like SAGE 2.2 Ransomware

SAGE 2.2 Ransomware files:


!HELP_SOS.hta
{randomname}.exe


SAGE 2.2 Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .sage files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .sage files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .sage files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with SAGE 2.2 Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .sage files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like SAGE 2.2 Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. SAGE 2.2 Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro