An unusual strain of ransomware has been reported to hit various institutions via Java exploits, experts say. One of those institutions is MedStar Health, and the hospital suffered immense losses after the ransomware struck. This was due to the abilities of Samas crypto-malware to encrypt the data with a strong encryption algorithm after which demand payment for decryption via a unique key.
Name | Samas |
Type | Ransomware. |
Short Description | Infects the computer using a combination of different malware, encrypts the data and asks for 1 BTC ransom money. |
Symptoms | The user may witness an html file on each folder where files are encrypted with the ransom message and the files are unable to be opened and have encrypted.RSA file extension appended. |
Distribution Method | Via malicious URLs or malicious files. |
Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
User Experience | Join our forum to discuss Samas. |
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. |
Samas Ransomware – How Does It Infect
Unlike other ransom malware, Samas uses unusual encryption techniques. It is particularly sophisticated because it employs a so-called pen testing otherwise known as penetration testing via a remote server to begin the infection process. Such testing allows the cyber-criminals to discover vulnerabilities in the network of the targeted devices. Once a vulnerability is found, the ransomware may either use:
- Stolen login credentials to directly gain access and start running files remotely using a free program called “psexec.exe” which gives those permissions.
- Vulnerabilities in Java, allowing it to execute a malicious script.
Samas Ransomware In Detail
This crypto-malware uses a combination of different viruses each one performing different activities. First, it is reported by researchers to use an infostealer called Derusbi or Bladabindi. The second tool which is used by this malware is called PsExec, and its executable psexec.exe is configured to start programs on the infected computer remotely.
Besides those tools, Samas also may use two variants of the Trojan: Samas infection. This is what appears to be a BAT(Batch file) type of Trojan which may use several commands. One of those commands is the privilege escalating vssadmin command via vssadmin.exe, for example:
→ vssadmin delete shadows /for={DrivePartition} [/oldest | /all | /shadow={Identification of the shadow copies}] [/quiet]
This type of command may be used by Samas to delete the backup of your computer after which it may start encrypting your data.
Furthermore, Samas ransomware kit downloads yet another malware on the infected user’s computer – an MSIL (Microsoft Intermediate Language) ransomware which uses a very strong encryption algorithms – the AES and RSA cyphers.
The Encryption Process
The Ransomware may look for the usual and most used file extensions to encode. The encoded files are reported to be left with an added “encrypted.RSA” file extension, for example:
→ New Text Document.txt.encrypted.RSA
Both encryption algorithms used by the ransomware (RSA and AES) which are classified to be a Suite.B encoding language, are designed for concealing top secret files. The strength of the cypher is relatively impenetrable since it would take a powerful computer tens of years to decrypt a file if it doesn’t break by then. What Samas does is that it encrypts the files using the AES encryption algorithm. After this, it generates a custom encryption key and encrypts it with the RSA encryption algorithm, similar to the graph below:
After encrypting the data, Samas leaves a custom ransom note. Users on bleeping computer report the ransom message to be in a file named “HELPDECYPRT_YOUR_FILES.html” located in each folder where files are encrypted. The ransom note is reported to be the following:
→ “#What happened to your files?
All of your important files encrypted with RSA-2048, RSA-2048 is a powerful cryptography algorithm
For more information you can use Wikipedia
*attention: Don’t rename or edit encrypted files because it will be impossible to decrypt your files
#How to recover files?
RSA is an asymmetric cryptographic algorithm You need two key
1-Public key: you need it for encryption
2-Private Key: you need it 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 receive your Private Key in 3 easy steps:
Step1: You must send us One Bitcoin about (430$) for each affected PC to receive Private Key.
Step2: After you send us one Bitcoin, Leave a comment on our blog with these detail: Your Bitcoin transaction reference + Your Computer name
*Your Computer name is:{PC NAME}
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 blog address: key93939393.wordpress.com
*Our Bitcoin address: {Cyber crooks’ bitcoin address}”
In addition to that, this ransomware may come in different variations since researchers believe that it may be a part of a RaaS (Ransomware as a Service) scheme. This means it may be sold to anybody interested on the black market. Not only this, but researchers also reported that the cyber-crooks behind this ransomware evolve it constantly, for example, they may change the payment addresses, methods of contacting them anonymously and other details.
Remove Samas Ransomware and Restore Your Files
To remove this cyber-threat, you must identify all of the objects associated with it, whether they are files or registry sub-keys and values that are modified or newly made. To do this effectively, we advise to use the removal instructions below and neutralize this threat permanently with a particular anti-malware software.
Regarding the direct decryption of your files, there has not been a solution yet, but we will keep posting updates as soon as there is a direct solution. Meanwhile, you can try the decryptors and file restoration software as well as browse shadow copies of your PC, all of which can be downloaded from step “4. Restore files encrypted by Samas Ransomware”. These are general methods, and they may restore your important files partially. Meanwhile, you may follow our security forum, ask questions on how to use the software and discuss Samas Ransomware.
Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
How to Remove Samas from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Samas





Step 2: Uninstall Samas and related software 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 Samas 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 Samas 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: Scan for Samas with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Samas.
Ransomware infections and Samas 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of Samas from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Samas and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Samas via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Samas.
Ransomware infections and Samas 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Samas FAQ
What is Samas ransomware and how does it work?
Samas 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 algorithm how 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.
How does Samas ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Samas Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of Samas 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 .Samas files?
You can't. At this point the .Samas files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Samas files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Samas ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".Samas" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Samas files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of Samas ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate Samas ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Samas files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Samas ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.