This article aims to show you how to remove SamSam ransomware virus and how to recover .disposed2017 encrypted files without paying the ransom.
A new version of the decryptable SamSam ransomware has come out, dropping a ransom note after encrypting files. The virus demands a hefty ransom to be paid to the cyber-criminals in order to restore files it has previously encrypted on their computers with an added .disposed 2017 file suffix to those files. After doing so, the virus drops a ransom note, named PLEASE-README-HOWTO-RECOVERY.html file which asks victims to go to a Tor-based website where they can pay in BitCoins to recover their files. Luckily the virus is decryptable. Read this article to learn how to firstly remove this virus and then decrypt your files for free.
Threat Summary
Name | .disposed2017 SamSam Virus |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | Encrypts files on the infected computer and asks victims to visit a TOR-based website and pay a ransom fee to get the encrypted files decrypted once again. |
Symptoms | Encrypts files adding the .disposed2017 file extension and drops a ransom note, named PLEASE-README-HOWTO-RECOVERY.html with instructions. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .disposed2017 SamSam Virus. |
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. |
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SamSam Ransomware – More Information
In order to infect users, SamSam ransomware may use the following methods:
- Spam e-mails that have malicious e-mail attachments in them or web links.
- Malicious links posted online as comments or replies.
- Fake setups or programs uploaded on suspicious software download sites.
The malicious files are reported to be the following:
→ Valley2.exe with SHA256: 642276c4a397ca62cd6614627c3dfa370452c5b37a13fa13be84fb9cdbc39d55
ConsoleApplication2.exe with SHA256: 4b5f9b1e8c82e0b0a434a83a5d947a69860fd7846673570eb623af01876959ab
After the victim clicks on the malicious file, the SamSam virus drops malicious files in multiple important Windows folders, such as:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Roaming%
- %LocalLow%
- %Temp%
After the files are dropped, the virus executes a process which encrypts the files, adding the .disposed2017 file extension. The encrypted files look like the following:
After the files are encrypted, a ransom note file is dropped, named PLEASE-README-HOWTO-RECOVERY.html.
How to Remove and Decrypt .disposed2017 Files Virus
Before actually beginning to decrypt this ransomware infection from your computer system you should focus on removing the virus from your computer. The best and fasted method to do this is to remove it using an advanced anti-malware tool which will take care of the removal for you.
Automatically remove .disposed2017 SamSam Virus by downloading an advanced anti-malware program
After doing so, you can use the alternative methods for file recovery below. They are specifically designed to help you with the file recovery process of SamSam without you having to pay the ransom. As always, those methods are not a guarantee you will recover all of your files, but they can help you restore as many files as possible and this is why it is recommended to backup the encrypted files before beggining.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .disposed2017 SamSam Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .disposed2017 SamSam Virus 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .disposed2017 SamSam Virus 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 .disposed2017 SamSam Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 .disposed2017 SamSam Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .disposed2017 SamSam Virus.
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 .disposed2017 SamSam Virus 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.
.disposed2017 SamSam Virus-FAQ
What is .disposed2017 SamSam Virus Ransomware?
.disposed2017 SamSam Virus 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 .disposed2017 SamSam Virus 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 .disposed2017 SamSam Virus Infect?
Via several ways..disposed2017 SamSam Virus 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 .disposed2017 SamSam Virus 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 ..disposed2017 SamSam Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..disposed2017 SamSam Virus 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 ..disposed2017 SamSam Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..disposed2017 SamSam Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..disposed2017 SamSam Virus 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 .disposed2017 SamSam Virus 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 .disposed2017 SamSam Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..disposed2017 SamSam Virus 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 .disposed2017 SamSam Virus 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 .disposed2017 SamSam Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .disposed2017 SamSam Virus 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 .disposed2017 SamSam Virus 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.