I wrote this article to help you remove Sage 2.2 Ransomware. This Sage 2.2 Ransomware removal guide works for all Windows versions.
Sage 2.2 is a member of the most dreaded cyber infection family – the family of ransomware. You see, ransomware pieces, together with Trojans, are considered the most dangerous parasites you can possibly get stuck with. And unfortunately, you are currently a host of the Sage 2.2 ransomware. These infections totally deserve their reputation. They are incredibly dangerous for many reasons. And they are also quite sneaky. Unlike other parasites which try stealing your money, ransomware pieces rely on a different technique. They take something that is yours and then blackmails you for money. Needless to say, profit is their only goal and they have gotten very good at achieving it. Almost all ransomware strains follow a pretty standard pattern. First, they invade your machine without you realizing. Second, they lock all of your files. And third, they extort you in exchange of these files.
Let`s go one step at a time. How did Sage 2.2 manage to enter your machine? Did you download it on purpose? Did you want your data to be encrypted? No. But it still is. Ransomware infections need your permission to enter but, of course, they don’t ask for it straightforwardly as it leaves too much room for rejection. Instead, they use tricks and pray for your haste and distraction. For instance, a ransomware can hide behind spam email messages and malicious attachments. That’s why don’t open emails from unknown senders even if they look legitimate. Delete them immediately.
Another entering method is freeware bundling. Also very efficient. If you are not careful during the installation process and you rush it you can easily get a ransomware as a “bonus”. Also, Sage 2.2 or any other ransomware can be disguised as a program update and while you think you are updating Java you are actually inviting a dreaded pest on board. But none of these methods will work if you don’t provide your negligence. This is what infections need the most. No technique is good enough to work without it. So, be vigilant and remember that a little extra attention can save you a ton of issues.
However, given the fact that you are reading this removal guide you must have given the ransomware a green light at some point. One Sage 2.2 enters your PC it doesn’t waste any time. The encryption process begins almost immediately. The ransomware locates all of your private files that you have stored on board and locks them with a strong encryption algorithm. Your pictures, music, videos, MS Office files, documents, work-related data, etc. are all inaccessible. You cannot open them or watch them or do anything with them. All you see is their icons. They have also received a brand new extension to solidify Sage 2.2`s hold over them. Seeing the extension means the locking process is over.
Then, the ransomware drops an HTML or a TXT file – the ransom note. It is pretty standard – if you want your files back you have to pay for the decryption tool. It sounds simple but it is not. We assume you know better than to trust crooks to keep their end of the deal. The promise to give you the key but there are no guarantees. In fact, most of the times hackers don’t deliver. They only care about money and once they get yours they care about nothing else. There is a huge chance you end up double-crossed. Or, you may receive a tool which doesn’t work. And, the worst possible scenario, you pay and the crooks send you the right tool.
Then, you unlock your data but there is a problem. Sage 2.2 itself is still on your machine ready to strike again. The decryption tool only removes the encryption, not the infection. Not to mention that by paying you are giving hackers access to your personal details AND sponsor them to create more malware with your money. However you look at it, you still lose. Don’t pay. Don’t comply with these cybercriminals` rules. You will only make your situation worse. What you can do is use our removal; guide below. It is completely free and will help you get rid of Sage 2.2 for good. A piece of advice for the future, though: get yourself a reliable anti-malware program, keep it up to date and regularly scan your machine to be sure it is infection-free.
Sage 2.2 Ransomware Removal
Method 1: Restore your encrypted files using ShadowExplorer
Usually, Sage 2.2 Ransomware deletes all shadow copies, stored in your computer. Luckily, the ransomware is not always able to delete the shadow copies. So your first try should be restoring the original files from shadow copies.
- Download ShadowExplorer from this link: http://www.shadowexplorer.com/downloads.html.
- Install ShadowExplorer
- Open ShadowExplorer and select C: drive on the left panel
- Choose at least a month ago date from the date field
- Navigate to the folder with encrypted files
- Right-click on the encrypted file
- Select “Export” and choose a destination for the original file
Method 2: Restore your encrypted files by using System Restore
- Go to Start –> All programs –> Accessories –> System tools –> System restore
- Click “Next“
- Choose a restore point, at least a month ago
- Click “Next“
- Choose Disk C: (should be selected by default)
- Click “Next“. Wait for a few minutes and the restore should be done.
Method 3: Restore your files using File Recovery Software
If none of the above method works, you should try to recover encrypted files by using File Recovery Software. Since Sage 2.2 Ransomware first makes a copy of the original file, then encrypts it and deletes the original one, you can successfully restore the original, using a File Recovery Software. Here are a few free File Recovery Software programs:
