This article aims to help you remove Damage ransomware virus from your computer and hopefully restore the encrypted files with .damage extension.
A ransomware virus which encrypts the files on the computers it infects has been detected by malware researchers. The string is dubbed Damage, because it uses the same file extension after it renders the files on the computers it infects no longer openable. The virus then demands for a payoff to be made by contacting the cyber criminals via e-mail and getting the decryption key. In case you have become a victim of Damage ransomware, be advised that you should read this article to help you try and get the files back.
files and removing the virus. Keep reading this article to find out how to perform the removal and what are your options, regarding encrypted files.
Threat Summary
Name |
Damage |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The virus encrypts files on the compromised computer and leaves instructions file on how to contact the e-mail damage@india.com to get them back.. |
Symptoms | Files are encrypted with an added .damage file extension and can no longer be opened. A text file appears and has “damage@india.com” in it’s name. |
Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. |
Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Damage. |
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. |
How Does Damage Ransomware Attack
Malware analysts have outlined several possible scenarios in relation to this ransomware infection. The most likely scenario is that this ransomware infection utilizes advanced tools, such as PTH (pass the hash) techniques as well as modified TeamViewer, PuTTy, mRemoteNG, TightNVC as well as several others. The Damage virus may use take advantage of these technologies with the one and only purpose to connect remotely (RDP) to both windows computers as well as servers using unsecured ports.
Another likely scenario is that this ransomware infection may use e-mail spam to replicate and cause damage. Such spam messages are usually sent to deceive users into opening a malicious e-mail attachment. Usually the deception is that there is something very important which is in the invoice. Once the user opens the attachment, the infection may take place and the virus may connect to a remote C2 server and download Damage ransomware’s payload.
Damage Ransomware – Further Analysis
Once an infection with damage ransomware takes place, the virus may download it’s payload. It consist s of:
A randomly named .tmp.exe file.
A text file containing damage@india.com e-mail in its name plus the user name of the victim PC.
The Damage virus may drop these files in multiple Windows folders of importance:
- %Startup%
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %Local%
- %LocalRow%
In addition to simply dropping the files, Damage ransomware may also automatically start the encryption file , believed to be the .tmp.exe file. This module is preconfigured to render the files no longer openable by replacing bytes of information from those files. Damage ransomware is also reported to attack only specific set of file types:
- Microsoft Office documents.
- Documents related to Adobe Reader.
- Database files.
- Image files.
- Archives.
- Audio files.
- Video files.
After the encryption process by damage ransomware is complete, the virus makes the files look like the following:
But this is not all that is being done by the Damage virus. The threat also may input an administrative Windows command that deletes any backups as well as shadow volume copies from the infected machine. The command is known as vssadmin:
At the end of the encryption, this ransomware drops a text file with the following content:
{part of a decryption key}
==========
end of secret_key
To restore your files – send e-mail to damage@india.com
Remove Damage Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files
For starters, before attempting any removal of Damage ransomware yourself, we recommend copying the encrypted files on another location on your computer. After this, it is advisable to follow the removal steps mentioned below. They are methodologically organized to help you take care of the removal process either yourself or automatically. The best way to remove Damage ransomware, however is automatically by using an advanced anti-malware software, which will not only detect all associated files and changed settings and remove them, but also protect your computer actively.
Regarding the restoration of the encrypted files, at the moment, there is no official working decryption tool for this iteration of Damage ransomware. However, do not despair because you may want to attempt and restore some of your files, by trying out the alternative tools in step “2. Restore files encrypted by Damage” below. Bear in mind that they are in no way guarantee you will get the data back, but users have reported on our forums, that they managed to restore at least some of the files, then again, it really depends on the situation.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Damage with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Damage 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Damage 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 Damage there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Damage
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Damage.
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 Damage 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.
Damage-FAQ
What is Damage Ransomware?
Damage 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 Damage 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 Damage Infect?
Via several ways.Damage 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 Damage 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 .Damage files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Damage 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 .Damage files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Damage" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Damage 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 Damage 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 Damage ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Damage 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 Damage 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 Damage Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Damage 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 Damage 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.