Damage Ransomware Removal Guide

Damage Ransomware is yet another infection to join the Crysis/HiddenTear family, and, in some ways, it is very similar to Legioner_seven@aol.com Ransomware, Space_rangers@aol.com Ransomware, Hidden-Peach Ransomware, and many other well-known infections. In most cases, these threats are seen spreading via spam emails, and so it is not surprising that this ransomware might be spreading in the same manner. Although more and more infections exploit spam emails to trick users into letting in malware themselves, many users are still careless. Furthermore, malware distributors are smart and inventive, and they can make sure that the malware launchers they are spreading and introduced to potential victims in highly deceptive ways. For example, the launcher of the malicious ransomware could be shown as a document representing flight itineraries, postal order details, etc. This is why you have to be very careful at all times. If you did not expect an email or if it was sent by a company you have no affiliation with, you should get rid of it immediately. If you open it and then open the file attached to it, you might end up having to delete Damage Ransomware.

When Damage Ransomware encrypts your files – and it is believed to use AES encryption algorithm – it attaches the “.damage” extension to all of the corrupted files. This does not affect the file itself, but it can help you identify which ones that were hit by the infection. Note that if you remove the extension from the file, it will remain locked because of the changes made to the data of that file. Unfortunately, it appears that you can recover your files only if you manage to get a hold of the decryption key, and, of course, it is in the hands of cyber criminals. If you have a system restore point, you can try to use that feature, but we cannot guarantee that this will do the trick. Moreover, you might lose the chance of retrieving the decryption key. Another option you have is to look at third-party decryption software, but it is usually unable to crack the encryption keys used by ransomware. In the best case scenario, all of the files – or, at least, the most important ones – are backed up, and you do not need to worry about their recovery.

Damage Ransomware is meant to introduce you to a ransom note, and it is likely to employ a file called “damage@india.com [your PC user name] .txt” for that. The note should include a unique ID number and an email address, damage@india.com. Of course, you are expected to communicate with the creator of the vicious ransomware using this email, and you have to think if that is the right move. First of all, you should not contact cyber criminals if you are not going to pay the ransom because the only purpose of this communication is to introduce you to the instructions on how to pay a huge ransom. Second, if you email the provided address, we suggest creating a new address for yourself because you do not want cyber crooks recording the one you use on a daily basis. When it comes to the ransom payment, there is always a chance that you will not get what you need to decrypt your files, and so you have to weigh all risks before you commit to making the payment.

If you lack experience when it comes to the removal of malware, we suggest employing anti-malware software to have Damage Ransomware deleted automatically. If more threats have slithered into your PC without your notice in the past, they will be found and deleted as well. Of course, you might also be capable of removing Damage Ransomware manually, but that is not an easy task because you have to find the launcher file. If you cannot uncover it, you will not be able to successfully get rid of the ransomware. If you know where the launcher file is, remove it along with the ransom note file, and you should be done. A full system scan performed afterward will let you know if your operating system is clean or if you need to erase any malicious components as well.

How to delete Damage Ransomware

1. Identify the launcher file ([unknown name].exe) and right-click it.
2. Select Delete to erase this file.
3. Right-click and Delete the file representing the ransom note (e.g., damage@india.com [PC user name] .txt).
4. Empty Recycle Bin.
5. Install a legitimate malware scanner to scan your PC for leftovers.