Uninstall Samas virus (Virus Removal Instructions) - Decryption Steps Included
Samas virus Removal Guide
Description of Samas ransomware virus
How dangerous is Samas ransomware virus?
Samas ransomware, alternatively known as Samas DR ransomware, has been attacking organisations and companies since 2014. Indeed, this file-encrypting virus is quite unique because it does not concentrate on targeting home computer users. Institutions and business enterprises have lots of important documents saved on the computers and networks. Hence, losing them to the virus might be a disaster. Hence, companies might be willing to pay demanded ransom. During its lifetime, Samas virus has already compromised thousands of important documents and swindled a huge amount of dollars. The majority of victims were companies working in health sector in North America and Europe. However, some law institutions and other public organisations experienced ransomware attack as well. Fortunately, lots of businesses are aware of the fact that data backups are crucial. In this case, they did not need to pay the ransom. According to the malware researchers, this crypto-malware has been updated many times, and now we can find around 60 variants of Samas malware. Though, all of them barely differs from each other and have the same goal – to make money illegally.
Hackers distribute ransomware using sophisticated methods; though, after infiltration, it either locks or encrypts targeted files. For data encryption, it uses RSA-2048 encryption algorithm and originally appends .encrypted.RSA file extension. However, other virus versions might append .theworldisyours, .whereisyourfiles, .iloveworld, .weareyourfriends, .whereisyourfiles, or .helpmeencedfile extensions. Sadly, Samas removal won’t rescue your files from hostage. However, hackers don’t leave victims without any suggestions too. The virus generates a ransom note and leaves it the affected computer’s desktop. In the ransom note it is clearly stated that victims need to purchase a specific decryption software to restore data. Nevertheless, information written in the PLEASE_READ_FOR_DECRYPT_FILES_{victim’s ID} file might seem the only option to get back the files; transferring demanded amount of Bitcoins is a risky business. Paying the ransom does not guarantee that hackers provide the necessary decryption key and software. The purpose of all ransomware projects is to swindle the money, and helping the victims is just the matter of conscience. It’s better to remove Samas from the computer rather than risk losing the money. After automatic virus elimination with malware removal tools such as FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, victims can try to restore files using alternative data recovery methods we have presented at the end of the article.
How does ransomware get inside the computers?
Samas ransomware virus employs traditional distribution strategies such as malicious spam emails and their attachments, or exploit kits. However, this successful cyber threat does not rely on spreading fake and infected invoices, statements or other ‘important’ documents that trick people to open attached file. Distribution methods are frequently updated and each version of the virus might use more polished and advanced techniques. The virus mostly employs brute-force attacks and tries to hack insecure networks. Samas uses reGeorg tunnelling tool which helps to find flaws and vulnerabilities in security. What is more, malware may also use data-stealing malware to hack targeted networks and drop virus executable directly to the compromised computer. It might seem that protecting computers and organisations from this ransomware is nearly impossible. However, it’s not true. No one can feel 100% safe and protected from ransomware but strengthening computer’s security with antivirus programs, keeping all software updates, and being careful with received emails can help to minimise the risk of attack.
What to do if Samas ransomware infected a computer?
Many people, who encountered ransomware, often think about ways to get back their files. No matter how important files are, the biggest problem is a virus residing on the computer. It’s important to remove Samas from the computer immediately because other computers connected to the same network might be at risk. What is more, malware may try to steal banking information or other sensitive data. Therefore, after the attack, you should choose one of the malware removal tools – FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes – and perform a full system scan. Do not think about manual Samas removal because you may cause damage to your computer. Bear in mind that you are dealing with hazardous and complicated cyber threat. Hence, it’s removal must be taken seriously and professionally.
Getting rid of Samas virus. Follow these steps
In-depth guide for the Samas elimination
Sometimes ransomware viruses prevent users from installing malware removal tools or prevents from system scan. In this case, you need to reboot the computer to the Safe Mode and try again.
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 using System Restore
If Samas ransomware blocks your chosen antivirus software, follow these steps to access the program and start virus elimination:
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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 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 from the infected device. novirus.uk team has also prepared an in-depth data recovery guide which you will also find above.If you still considering whether you should pay the ransom or not, we want to discourage you from doing this. Your money is a motivation and sponsorship for the cyber criminals. What is more, after receiving your Bitcoins, cyber criminals may disappear and forget their promises to restore your data.
There are a couple of methods you can apply to recover data encrypted by Samas:
Data Recovery Pro might help to restore files encrypted by Samas ransomware
Some of the files might be encrypted using Data Recovery Pro. This tool was originally created to restore damaged or deleted files; however, it also helps to rescue some of the encoded files as well.
- 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 ransomware;
- Recover the data.
Files encrypted by Samas virus might be recovered using Windows Previous Versions feature
If System Restore function has been active on your PC before Samas attack, you should follow these steps to recover individual files:
- 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”.
Samas decryptor
Unfortunately, Samas decryptor hasn’t been created yet. Hopefully, it will be released soon.
It is strongly recommended to take precautions and secure your computer from malware attacks. To protect your PC from Samas 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.
Reduce the threat of viruses by backing up your data
Due to their own careless behavior, computer users can suffer various losses caused by cyber infections. Viruses can affect the functionality of the software or directly corrupt data on your system by encrypting it. These problems can disrupt the system and cause you to lose personal data permanently. There is no such threat if you have the latest backups, as you can easily recover lost data and get back to work.
It is recommended to update the backups in parallel each time the system is modified. This way, you will be able to access the latest saved data after an unexpected virus attack or system failure. By having the latest copies of important documents and projects, you will avoid serious inconveniences. File backups are especially useful if malware attacks your system unexpectedly. We recommend using the Data Recovery Pro program to restore the system.
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