This material is made to help you remove the Sage 2.0 ransomware virus version 2.0 and try and decrypt .sage encrypted files.
A second version of the Sage ransomware has come out in the open, after the first iteration was spotted back in December. This virus has been reported to be an evolved version of CryLocker ransomware. The Sage 2.0 ransomware virus spreads via malicious spam campaigns via different types of files and it performs heavy modification on infected system, besides encrypting it’s important files possibly with the AES encryption algorithm. For a ransom, the Sage ransomware virus wants the user to pay the large sum of 2.2 BTC or approximately 2000 dollars. If you have been infected by Sage ransomware, we urge you to read the following article and learn more about Sage ransomware, how to remove it and try decrypting the files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Sage 2.0 |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The Sage ransomware encrypts your data and then displays a ransom message with instructions for payment. |
| Symptoms | Sage ransomware encrypts the files and adds the .sage file extension. A ransom note is dropped on the desktop with the following content. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, malicious .xls files, .htm Files, .js files, .ZIP archives |
| 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 Sage 2.0. |
| 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. |
Sage Ransomware – Malspam and Infection Process
The Distribution and Malspam
In order for Sage ransomware to cause a successful infection, the virus uses a combination of the whole two malicious spam techniques – spammed JavaScript file that downloads and installs the virus and a Word document with malicious macros. The files usually contain completely randomly generated names and they are archived in a .ZIP file. Sometimes Sage ransomware sends double zipped files (.zip in a .zip) to avoid detection, according to Brad Duncan at malware-traffic-analysis.net. The names of the zip files may be as the below-mentioned example displays:
One of the malicious files that may be contained in those zip files is a Word document with embedded malicious macros inside of it, that may be named something like 188241.doc. The document displays a coded messages and prompts to enable macros to decode it. Once the user enables them, the malicious script connects to the remote server of the cyber-criminals and downloads Sage ransomware on the computer:
Relatively the same process is conducted with the malicious JavaScript file. After the user opens it in the archive the infection takes place in the rather same manner:
At the moment of the Infection, Windows displays a User Account Control Windows which asks the user to click on Yes and does not close until this happens.
Sage Ransomware – Post-Infection and Encryption
After this has been done, the virus begins encrypting files. With the help of several commands and pre-configured code, Sage is able to render videos, music, pictures, audio files and others, completely non-openable. To make it’s presence known, this virus also appends the .sage file extension to those encrypted files, just like it’s previous version did:
The virus also drops it’s .HTML ransom note, named !Recovery_{random 3 letters}.html. It looks like the following:
Sage ransomware does not end the terror there. Malware researchers report it to also change the wallpaper of the user to further scare him. The wallpaper is very similar to the 1st version’s wallpaper:
The difference is in the actual text message, which is the following:
“*** ATTENTION! ALL YOUR FILES WERE ENCRYPTED! ***
***PLEASE READ THIS MESSAGE CAREFULLY ***
All your important and critical files as well as databases, images and videos and so on were encrypted by strong encryption.
SAGE 2.0 uses military grade elliptic curve cryptography and you have no chances restoring your files.
But if you follow our instructions we guarantee that you can restore all your files quickly.
For your convenience, we created copies of this message, named !Recovery_{random}.html on your desktop.
To get the instructions open any of this temporary links in your browser.”
Sage ransomware does not self-delete. Instead, the virus creates an executable file with a completely random name in the %Roaming% directory.
After the user opens the URL in the ransom instructions, he is led to the original Sage 2.0 web-page, which has the same well-crafted design, just like the 1.0 version had:
The virus even threatens the user that if in approximately 7 days the ransom is not paid, the price for the important files will double to 2000 dollars.
Remove Sage 2.0 Ransomware and Restore .sage Encrypted Files
Despite that Sage 2.0 may tempt you to pay the ransom, malware researchers advise not paying any form of ransom. The primary reason for this is that the criminals of this virus may not return your files and in addition to this, you support their virus to continue spreading. Instead, advices are to focus on removing the malware and saving the encrypted files whilst trying alternative methods, like the ones in step “Restore files encrypted by Sage 2.0 below”. For all of this information, you may want to refer to the removal instructions below. They are divided in Manual (for experienced in malware removal) and Automatic (recommended) removal instructions. Advices are to use an advanced anti-malware tool which will focus on performing multiple different processes which will eliminate all of the objects created by Sage 2.0 Ransomware automatically.
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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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
About the Sage 2.0 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Sage 2.0 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 Sage 2.0 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
How to Remove Sage 2.0 from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Sage 2.0
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall Sage 2.0 and related software 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Sage 2.0 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 Sage 2.0 there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for Sage 2.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Sage 2.0.
Ransomware infections and Sage 2.0 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of Sage 2.0 from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Sage 2.0 and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Sage 2.0:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Sage 2.0. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Sage 2.0. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Sage 2.0 via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Sage 2.0. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Sage 2.0.
Ransomware infections and Sage 2.0 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Sage 2.0 FAQ
What is Sage 2.0 ransomware and how does it work?
Sage 2.0 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 algorithm how 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.
How does Sage 2.0 ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Sage 2.0 Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of Sage 2.0 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 .Sage 2.0 files?
You can't. At this point the .Sage 2.0 files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Sage 2.0 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Sage 2.0 ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".Sage 2.0" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Sage 2.0 files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of Sage 2.0 ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate Sage 2.0 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Sage 2.0 files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Sage 2.0 ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
