Uninstall Samas DR virus (Decryption Steps Included) - Oct 2016 updated
Samas DR virus Removal Guide
Description of Samas DR ransomware virus
The dangers of Samas DR ransomware virus
Samas DR virus belongs to one of the most dangerous virus categories – ransomware. This file-encrypting virus has already attacked Hosted desktop and cloud provider called as VESK. Sadly, the company was convinced by scammers to pay 29 Bitcoins in exchange for the special decryption key which is needed to solve the outcomes of Samas DR ransomware. On the one hand, the company got the special decryption key which they used to get their files back; however, they spent an enormous amount of money. If you have discovered Samas DR ransomware on your system, we do not recommend paying the ransom. Even though criminals can recover the access to your files, there is no guarantee that they won’t install additional malware and re-launch the attack in the future. Of course, the discovery about losing valuable or sentimental information can be very unpleasant, but you should concentrate on Samas DR removal first. If you decide to recover the files before removing the virus, your data might be encrypted again.
Samas DR virus is distributed via gotohelldr.exe that usually spreads via malicious emails. After successful infiltration, the virus starts scanning a computer and encoding the files. For data encryption virus uses a sophisticated RSA-2048 algorithm that allows corrupting various types of files. To all encrypted data virus appends .iloveworld file extension. Since then, victims cannot access their data. They became useless. However, hackers claim that victims can restore and use their files again. They provide all necessary information about data encryption and decryption in the ransom note which is named ‘PLEASE_READ_FOR_DECRYPT_FILES_{victim’s ID}’ and dropped in two formats .txt and .html. Samas DR ransomware can infect a single computer and all computers that are connected to a network. Of course, the size of the ransom varies depending on this aspect. For single computer’s file decryption victims have to pay 1.7 Bitcoins that equals 800 GBP, and for all connected computers companies have to pay 29 Bitcoins (more than 13.800 GBP). Indeed, the amount is huge and, as we mentioned before, some companies are willing to pay it. Also, criminals set a deadline to pay the ransom. Victims have seven days to purchase decryption key. Later, it will be destroyed they won’t be able to decrypt their files anymore. However, we recommend staying strong and patient. IT specialists usually create data decryption tools, so at the moment the decryptor might be in progress. Meanwhile, you have to remove Samas DR with a help of powerful anti-malware program such as FortectIntego.
Distribution techniques
The creators of Samas DR malware use the same distribution methods as other ransomware – malicious email campaigns and exploit kits. The most popular way to catch this hazardous computer’s infection is to open infected attachment provided in the email. So, if you receive a suspicious message that encourages you to open the attachment make sure that you can actually trust the sender. If something seems strange, do not rush and look for more information online about the sender. Moreover, this malware spreads via malware-laden ads. Hackers launch malvertising campaigns and can deliver malicious ads even on legitimate websites. So, you have to be careful and do not click on suspicious ads, because, once you click it, an exploit kit might be installed on your computer.
Is it possible to remove Samas DR and decrypt files?
Good news is that it’s possible to eliminate this dangerous malware from your computer. For Samas DR removal you should choose one of these programs FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes and run a full system scan. These anti-malware tools can help you to remove Samas DR and protect your computer from various computer infections in the future. If you find some difficulties with malware elimination, follow our instructions at the end of the article. Talking about file decryption, you have three options: you can restore files from backups, using Data Recovery Pro tool or explore Windows Previous Version. File decryption instructions are prepared bellow as well.
Getting rid of Samas DR virus. Follow these steps
In-depth guide for the Samas DR elimination
Important! →
The elimination guide can appear too difficult if you are not tech-savvy. It requires some knowledge of computer processes since it includes system changes that need to be performed correctly. You need to take steps carefully and follow the guide avoiding any issues created due to improper setting changes. Automatic methods might suit you better if you find the guide too difficult.
Step 1. Launch Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode environment offers better results of manual virus removal
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Go to Start.
- Choose Shutdown, then Restart, and OK.
- When your computer boots, start pressing the F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) a few times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click the Start button and choose Settings.
- Scroll down to find Update & Security.
- On the left, pick Recovery.
- Scroll to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Choose Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Choose 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. End questionable processes
You can rely on Windows Task Manager that finds all the random processes in the background. When the intruder is triggering any processes, you can shut them down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes.
- Look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the Process tab, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check the program in Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard again.
- Go to the Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious app and pick Disable.
Step 4. Find and eliminate virus files
Data related to the infection can be hidden in various places. Follow the steps and you can find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in) you want to clean.
- Scroll through the Files to delete and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Eliminate Samas DR using System Restore
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Step 1: Restart your computer in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Go to Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- As soon as your computer starts, start pressing F8 key repeatedly before the Windows logo shows up.
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Choose Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Click on the Power button at the Windows login screen, and then press and hold Shift key on your keyboard. Then click Restart.
- Then select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
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Once your computer starts, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of options in Startup Settings.
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Step 2: Perform a system restore to recover files and settings
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When the Command Prompt window appears, type in cd restore and press Enter.
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Then type rstrui.exe and hit Enter..
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In a new window that shows up, click the Next button and choose a restore point that was created before the infiltration of Samas DR and then click on the Next button again.
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To start system restore, click Yes.
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When the Command Prompt window appears, type in cd restore and press Enter.
Bonus: Restore your files
Using the tutorial provided above you should be able to eliminate Samas DR from the infected device. novirus.uk team has also prepared an in-depth data recovery guide which you will also find above.There are a couple of methods you can apply to recover data encrypted by Samas DR:
Use Data Recovery Pro
To restore files encrypted by Samas DR ransomware, you should try using Data Recovery Pro. This tool is capable of recovering various types of files. Follow the instructions and retrieve your files:
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Install Data Recovery on your computer following the steps indicated in the software’s Setup;
- Run the program to scan your device for the data encrypted by Samas DR ransomware;
- Recover the data.
Explore Windows Previous Versions
If you have enabled System Restore function, you can try to recover the files. However, this method doesn’t allow recovering all encrypted files at once. To recover individual files, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the encrypted document you want to recover;
- Click “Properties” and navigate to “Previous versions” tab;
- In the “Folder versions” section look for the available file copies. Choose the desired version and press “Restore”.
It is strongly recommended to take precautions and secure your computer from malware attacks. To protect your PC from Samas DR and other dangerous viruses, you should install and keep a powerful malware removal tool, for instance, FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Securely connect to your website wherever you are
Sometimes you may need to log in to a content management system or server more often, especially if you are actively working on a blog, website, or different project that needs constant maintenance or that requires frequent content updates or other changes. Avoiding this problem can be easy if you choose a dedicated/fixed IP address. It's a static IP address that only belongs to a specific device and does not change when you are in different locations.
VPN service providers such as Private Internet Access can help you with these settings. This tool can help you control your online reputation and successfully manage your projects wherever you are. It is important to prevent different IP addresses from connecting to your website. With a dedicated/fixed IP address, VPN service, and secure access to a content management system, your project will remain secure.
Recover files damaged by a dangerous malware attack
Despite the fact that there are various circumstances that can cause data to be lost on a system, including accidental deletion, the most common reason people lose photos, documents, videos, and other important data is the infection of malware.
Some malicious programs can delete files and prevent the software from running smoothly. However, there is a greater threat from the dangerous viruses that can encrypt documents, system files, and images. Ransomware-type viruses focus on encrypting data and restricting users’ access to files, so you can permanently lose personal data when you download such a virus to your computer.
The ability to unlock encrypted files is very limited, but some programs have a data recovery feature. In some cases, the Data Recovery Pro program can help recover at least some of the data that has been locked by a virus or other cyber infection.
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