RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Age Virus (+Decrypt .[agent5305@firemail.cc].age files) – Phobos Ransomware

Age – Ransomware

The Age stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Phobos ransomware family. Age was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Age adds the “.[agent5305@firemail.cc].age” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by Age, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[agent5305@firemail.cc].age“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, Age places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Age text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the Phobos family. It actually discusses that the info is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by Age is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of Age is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds connected with Age ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the asked for quantity, people must keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom usually does not provide any positive result and people simply waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Age ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Hence, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameAge Ransomware
File Extension.[agent5305@firemail.cc].age
TypeRansomware
FamilyPhobos
Short DescriptionThe ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special [agent5305@firemail.cc].age extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsOctopus, Banjo, Elder
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Age ransomware. It is similar Octopus and many other ransomware-type threats. Malicious programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt essential data and to state the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to create the unique decryption key for information decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your crucial files is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they need to be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external hard disk for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are several methods used by online frauds to distribute Age ransomware. Even though it doubts how exactly Age injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unidentified senders;
  • websites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Often Age virus may exist as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some essential software updates. This is the common trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Age infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might refer to different email spam tactics to inject destructive codes into Windows PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some receipts, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in Age virus injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of malicious codes leading to Age secret installation. Finally, injection of Age may take place by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up harmful tools without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of Age ransomware?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we want to share with with you. First off, be very mindful when you browse the web and particularly while downloading free apps. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Make certain that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to important damage to be made for your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render far better services of protecting your PC.

Screenshot of files with “.[agent5305@firemail.cc].age” extension added by the ransomware:
Age Ransomware - encrypt files with .[agent5305@firemail.cc].age extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Age ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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