This article has been made to help explain what exactly is the latest variant of SamSam ransomware and how to remove it from your computer plus how to try and restore files that have been encrypted by this virus.
The SamSam ransomware has been the reason of a new outbreak in Atlanta, Georgia, which has shut down several different governmental organizations. Luckily the outbreak, which was believed to be spread via a worm infection has been stopped. However, the SamSam ransomware may continue to evolve and be spread out to personal computers as well. The virus’s main purpose is to get the victims to pay a hefty ransom in order to restore their encrypted files back to normal. If you see this virus along with it’s ransom note, named “0000-SORRY-FOR-FILES.html” we advise you to read this article in order to learn how to remove it and restore files that have been encrypted by SamSam on your PC.
Threat Summary
| Name | SamSam |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with RSA encryption cipher and asks a ransom payment of 1 BTC for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted with RSA encryption and become inaccessible with an added .weapologize file extension to them. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as 000-SORRY-FOR-FILES.html file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
| 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. |
SamSam Ransomware – Infection Methods
For this version of SamSam ransomware to infect unsuspecting users, it may take advantage of various different types of methods for infection. These can be divided in proactive and passive infection approaches and the proactive ones involve a variant of SamSam ransomware that may be sent to victims via e-mail. Such e-mails often pretend as if they come from large companies, from the likes of PayPal, eBay, Amazon or other big names in order to get the victim to bite. Here is one example of a carefully designed fake e-mail:
Furthermore, SamSam can be passively waiting for you to download it’s infection file by looking for files on suspicious software-providing websites. Those files are usually the following:
- Fake setups of programs.
- Fake game patches or cracks.
- Fraudulent software license activators.
- Fake keygens.
SamSam Ransomware – Malicious Activity
Samas ransomware, also known as SamSam as many refer it, was the reason of multiple reports that it has infected major government institutions in the city of Atlanta, Georgia. The ransomware infection aims to encrypt the files on the computers of victims and then drop it’s payload files. The payload of SamSam consists of different types of files and malware, which many refer to as PsExec. The difference between a traditional ransomware virus and the SamSam infection is that SamSam is a combination of several different types of infections. This allows SamSam ransomware to firstly drop a pentesting file in order to initiate a detection-less infection. Such pentesting gives the ability of cyber-criminals to see what types of vulnerabilities on the victim’s computer are unpatched and attack them via the exploit kit the virus uses. Once a weakness is discovered, the psexec.exe file is used in order to exploit the particular vulnerability selected via a JavaScript or an RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol).
The SamSam ransomware also has elements taken from the following viruses:
- Derusbi infostealer.
- Bladabindi infostealer for stealing credentials.
- PsExect in order to execute programs remotely.
These tools are all used on your computer after it has been infected by SamSam ransomware. The first activity of the ransomware is to run a command as an administrator on the victim’s computer that will make sure the shadow volume copies in Windows are deleted and restoring your files via backup is impossible:
→ C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
In addition to this, the ransomware also makes sure to schedule it’s ransom note for automatically appearing on your computer. The ransom note of the latest variant of the malware, has been reported to appear like the following:
Text from image:
What happened to your files?
All your files encrypted with RSA-2048 encryption, For more information search in Google ‘RSA Encryption’
How to recover files?
RSA is a asymmetric cryptographic algorithm, You need one key for encryption and one key for decryption
So you need Private key to recover your files.
It’s not possible to recover your files without private key
How to get private key?
You can get your private key in 3 easy step:
Stepl: You must send us 0.7 BitCoin for each affected PC OR 3 BitCoins to receive ALL Private Keys for ALL affected PC’s.
Step2: After you send us 0.7 BitCoin, Leave a comment on our Site with this detail: Just write Your ‘Host name’ in your comment
Your Host name is:
Step3: We will reply to your comment with a decryption software, You should run it on your affected PC and all encrypted files will be recovered
Our Site Address: https://jcmi5n4c3mvgtyt5.onion/familiarisingly/
Our BitCoin Address: 1MdthqRCJe825ywjdbijsttWBpKanR
(If you send us 3 BitCoins For all PC’s, Leave a comment on our site with this detail: Just write ‘For All Affected PC‘s’ in your comment)
(Also if you want pay for ‘all affected PC‘s’ You can pay 1.5 Bitcoins to receive half of keys(randomly) and after you verify it send 2nd half to receive all
How To Access To Our Site
For access to our site you must install Tor browser and enter our site URL in your tor browser.
You can download tor browser from https://www.torproject.org/download/download.html.en
For more information please search in Google ‘How to access onion sites’
Test Decryption
Check our site, You can upload 2 encrypted files and we will decrypt your files as demo.
If you are worry that you don’t get your keys after you paid, You can get one key for free on you choise(except important servers), Te
Also you can get some single key and if all single BTC taht you paid reached to all keys price you will get all keys
Anyway be sure that you will get all your keys if you paid for them and we don’t want damage our reliability
with buying the first key you will find that we are honest.
.weapologize SamSam Ransomware – Encryption Process
The encryption algorithm used to encipher the files on your computer by this virus is RSA cipher which is a part of the Suite.B category of encryption. It is often used by governments in order to hide top-secret files by encrypting them. The algorithm is specific by the fact that it creates different decryption keys for each file. The SamSam ransomware’s latest variant uses the .weapologize file extension for the file encryption process. The process of encrypting files, used by SamSam can be characterized via the following chain of activities in the figure below:
After the files, belonging to SamSam ransomware have been encrypted on your computer they assume the following appearance:
The virus is careful not to encrypt files in %SystemDrive% that are essential for the functioning of Windows, so that it won’t break your PC after infection. This is why it excludes some of the critical folders where system files and drivers are located and only focuses on documents, videos, pictures as well as other often used types of files.
How to Remove SamSam Ransomware and How to Restore Files, Encrypted by It
If you have the latest version of the SamSam virus, we advise you to not pay the ransom. This is primarily because paying the cyber-crooks may not get your files back and in addition to this, the threat actors behind this virus should not be supported, because by paying, you fund their organization to further spread and make viruses.
To remove SamSam, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They are specifically created to help you to delete the malware either manually or automatically based on your experience to remove malware. For maximum effectiveness, recommendations are to focus on removing this infection via an advanced anti-malware program which will scan for and automatically detect any malicious files and objects created by it on your computer system plus protect it against future infections as well.
If you want to restore files that have been encrypted by this ransomware infection on your computer, we strongly suggest that you try the alternative methods for file recovery in step “2. Restore files, encrypted by SamSam” undereneath. They may not be fully able to recover all of your files, but we have had reports on our forum (sensorstechforum.com/forums/) by users who have managed to restore up to 50% of their files, encrypted by a ransomware infection.
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.
Follow Me:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for SamSam with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall SamSam 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by SamSam 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 SamSam there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove SamSam
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by SamSam.
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 SamSam 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.
SamSam-FAQ
What is SamSam Ransomware?
SamSam 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 SamSam 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 SamSam Infect?
Via several ways.SamSam 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 SamSam 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 .SamSam files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .SamSam 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 .SamSam files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".SamSam" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .SamSam 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 SamSam 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 SamSam ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .SamSam 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 SamSam 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 SamSam Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SamSam 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 SamSam 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.