This article has been created in order to explain what is the .weapologize SamSam ransomware virus and explain how to remove it fully from your computer system and how to try and restore RSA encrypted files by it.
‘0000-SORRY-FOR-FILES.html’ is the ransom note which is left on the victims computers, after they have been infected by the latest version of SamSam ransomware. Even though the ransomware infection may add different file extensions, some of the infected users and companies have reported that primarily the file suffix .weapologize has been added to the encrypted files after they are no longer openable. The virus is believed to use RSA encryption, which is generally difficult to decrypt and asks for 1 BTC of ransom payoff. If your computer has been infected by the .weapologize variant of SamSam ransomware, we recommend that you read the following article to learn how to remove it from your computer and how to try and restore files that have been encrypted by this version of SamSam ransomware.
Threat Summary
| Name | SamSam .weapologize |
| 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
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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 .weapologize Ransomware – Distribution Methods
In order to cause an infection to maximum amount of victims, the cyber-criminals who spread the virus files of SamSam may use different tactics, that can be proactive and passive. If they use proactive tactics, this means that it is likely your computer may have gotten infected with the .weapologize variant of SamSam ransomware via e-mail spam messages. Such messages are believed to be various different deceitful messages, that aim to convince inexperienced future victims that they come from legitimate companies. Most often in such cases, big company names from the likes of PayPal, eBay, Amazon or others are used to increase the trust in the user, for example the fake e-mail containing an infection link that looks like a PayPal button below:
In addition to this, the infection file of SamSam ransomware is also believed to likely be spread via more passive methods as well, for example:
- Via fake setups of programs.
- Via fake game patches or cracks.
- Via fraudulent software license activators.
- Fake key generators.
SamSam .weapolgize Ransomware – Malicious Activity
SamSam (also known as Samas) has been reported to download it’s malicious payload after infection from a third-party C&C server. The malicious payload usually consists of various different types of files and something, called PsExec. Unlike your traditional ransomware virus, this variant of SamSam firstly employs a penetration testing object by a remote server, which begins the actual infection activity. Such pentest allows the cyber-crooks to discover any vulnerabilities on your system or enterprise network during the infection. Once they find a weakness, they use the psexec.exe file to exploit this vulnerability, whether they use a malicious JavaScript or an RDP(remote desktop protocol) exploit.
In addition to this, the SamSam .weapologize malware is not originally a single virus. It uses a combination of viruses, among which are the following:
- Derusbi infostealer for stealing information.
- Bladabindi infostealer for stealing credentials.
- PsExec to start programs on the infected system from distance.
After these tools have been used on the victim’s computer, the ransomware also uses an element from the Samas Trojan, which runs a Batch command in Windows command prompt that deletes the shadow volume copies on the infected computer system. The command is as follows:
→ C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe” /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
After this has been done, the .weapologize version of SamSam ransomware aims to display it’s ransom note, named ‘0000-SORRY-FOR-FILES.html’, which looks 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
In order to encrypt the files on the computer of victims, the SamSam ransomware uses the so-called RSA encryption cipher, which is known as Rivest-Shamir-Adleman and is part of the Suite.B category of encoding languages. The SamSam .weapologize ransomware performs the encryption activities in the following order, according to previous reports:
After the file encryption process has completed, the SamSam virus leaves the files with the .weapologize suffix and they begin to appear like the following image:
Remove SamSam Ransomware and Restore .weapologize Encrypted Files
In order for you to successfully remove this ransomware infection from your computer system, we advise that you follow the removal instructions down below. They are specifically designed in order to help you by explaining how to delete the objects created by this ransomware either manually or automatically. If you lack the experience in removing this ransomware virus manually, security researchers strongly advise to do so automatically, preferably by downloading an advanced anti-malware software. Such program will ensure that this malware will be automatically removed and your PC will stay protected against future infections as well.
If you want to restore files, that have been encrypted with an added .weapologize file extension to them, we would advise that you follow the alternative methods for file recovery down below in step ‘2. Restore files encrypted by SamSam .weapologize’ . They are created In order to help you restore as many files as possible without paying the ransom, even though they are not a guarantee that you will restore all of the files.
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.
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Step 1: Scan for SamSam .weapologize with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall SamSam .weapologize 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 .weapologize 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 .weapologize 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 .weapologize
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by SamSam .weapologize.
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 .weapologize 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 .weapologize-FAQ
What is SamSam .weapologize Ransomware?
SamSam .weapologize 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 .weapologize 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 .weapologize Infect?
Via several ways.SamSam .weapologize 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 .weapologize 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 .weapologize files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .SamSam .weapologize 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 .weapologize files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".SamSam .weapologize" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .SamSam .weapologize 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 .weapologize 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 .weapologize ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .SamSam .weapologize 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 .weapologize 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 .weapologize Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SamSam .weapologize 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 .weapologize 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.