This article has been created with the purpose to help explain what is the .armage files virus, what are .armage files and how to remove the malware associated with them and try to restore as many of them as you can.
A new ransomware infection, going by the name Armage ransomware has been detected by security researcher Leo to encrypt the files on the computers that have been targeted and infected by it. After doing the encryption, Armage ransomware drops a ransom note, called Notice.txt which has instructions on how to pay a hefty ransom fee in BitCoin and other cryptocurrencies in order to recover the encoded files and get them to work again. If you computer has been infected by the .armage files virus, we recommend that you read this article and learn how to remove this virus and restore as many files as possible.
Threat Summary
| Name | Armage |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files on the compromised computers shortly after which extort victims to pay ransom and decrypt the files. |
| Symptoms | The files on the compromised computers are encrypted with an added .armage file extension and a ransom note, called Notice.txt is also dropped on victim PCs. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Armage. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
.armage Ransomware – How Does It Infect
For the .armage files virus to infect the computers of it’s victims, the virus may use a wide variety of infection tactics. The .armage ransomware virus may come in your hard drive as a result of two main tactics – either you having to download the malicious payload by yourself or if the cyber-criminals have somehow managed to convince you into downloading or executing the payload. The third-scenario is if you PC has previously been hacked by other viruses that may download the payload of the malware onto your computer.
If the malware has entered your computer as a result of you having to download it’s malicious payload by yourself, be advised that it may have been hiding behind an executable or other type of file that only seems to be legitimate at first glance. Such types of files are often downloaded objects of interest, like:
- Setups of programs the user is looking for.
- Tools, patches, cracks or other software license activators.
- Key generators.
- Portable versions of programs.
In addition to this, the .armage files virus may also arrive via your e-mail, by being masked as a reputable attachment from a company which is well-known by everyone to increase the trust in victims. Such e-mails are cleverly thought out, for example:
In addition to spam e-mails the ransomware may also come downloaded via other malware that has previously infect your PC, such as Trojans, Worms, Rootkits and other, more advanced viruses, that have Read & Write permissions over Windows and control over your computer network. Either way, the main indicator of compromise that has been associated with Armage ransomware has been detected to be the following:
SHA256: 67697dcd8493f287a880cff6165b903bfe1daf3b55814e90de879cd1fb8df004
Size: 809.5 KB
.armage Files Virus – Activity
Once infected your computer, the .armage files virus may connect to a remote host and download it’s malicious payload files. The files may be one main executable file that encrypts the data on your PC and other support files and they might be spread in different directories across your computer. The directories in which the files, dropped by Armage ransomware may reside are usually the following:
- %Local%
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
In addition to dropping the files on your computer, the Armage ransomware also drops it’s ransom note file, called Notice.txt and it has the following contents:
Your files had been encrypted Please send me $100 to get your files back
Send your information includes Security code, Computer name and Username to truongquocvifigmail.com
Your security code is: {CODE HERE}
After receiving password, run TQVDecrypt on your desktop to decrypt files
After downloading the payload, the Armage ransomware infection performs series of unwanted activities on your computer among which may be to create mutexes, schedule tasks on your computer and modify registry entries, all with the purpose of ensuring that an unobstructed encryption takes place and that the ransomware obtains permissions to run as administrator on your computer.
If the Armage ransomware modifies your Windows Registry Editor, it will likely attack the Run and RunOnce registry sub-keys, located in the following keys:
→ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
In addition to this, the Armage ransomware may also delete the shadow volume copies on your computer and also stop Windows Recovery services. This usually occurs when the virus runs the following commands as an administrator in Windows Command Prompt:
→ sc stop VVS
sc stop wscsvc
sc stop WinDefend
sc stop wuauserv
sc stop BITS
sc stop ERSvc
sc stop WerSvc
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
.armage Files Virus – File Encryption
Armage ransomware may first scan your computer for the files it wants to encrypt and the virus usually targets files that you use very often, while in the same time skipping important Windows files, so that you can still use your PC to it’s full extent. The files that may be encrypted by Armage ransomware may be of the following file types:
→ .psd, .jpeg, .docx, .doc, .arj, .tar, .7z, .rar, .zip, .tif, .jpg, .ai, .bmp, .png, .xlsx, .pptx, .accdb, .mdb, .rtf, .odt, .ods, .cd, .ldf, .mdf, .max, .dbf, .epf, .1cd, .md, .db, .pdf, .ppt, .xls, .cdr, .odb, .odg
To encrypt the files once they are detected, Armage ransomware may firstly create copies of the original files, but those copies may in fact be the encrypted siblings of the originals. Then, Armage ransomware generates a decryption key and deletes the original files. The files, encrypted by Armage ransomware are so far undecryptable and look like the following:
Remove Armage Ransomware and Restore .armage Encrypted Files
If you have become an unfortunate victim of this ransomware virus, a viable method to remove it is if you follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They have been made in order to show you how you can make sure this virus is gone from your computer either manually or automatically, depending on how much experience you have with deleting malware by yourself. If you lack such experience or want a fast and easy solution, be advised that experts often advise victims to remove ransomware viruses, like Armage safely and automatically by using an advanced anti-malware software. Such program will scan your computer for all of the malicious objects, belonging to Armage ransomware and remove them in a safe manner permanently, while using it’s real-time shields to make sure that your PC stays safe against future threats.
If you want to restore files, encrypted by Armage ransomware, we advise you to try the alternative tools for file recovery underneath this article in step “2. Restore files, encrypted by Armage” below. They have been created with the main goal to serve as a temporary substitute solution and help you recover as many encrypted files as possible, until researchers devise a decrypter that works 100%.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for Armage with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Armage and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Armage on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Armage there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Armage
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Armage.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Armage aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Armage-FAQ
What is Armage Ransomware?
Armage is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Armage Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Armage Infect?
Via several ways.Armage Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Armage is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Armage files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Armage files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Armage files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Armage" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Armage files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Armage Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Armage ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Armage files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Armage Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Armage Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Armage how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Armage ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.