Ransomware Research

SamSam Ransomware

SamSam is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on May 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Samas, SAM.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
SamSam
First Seen
May 1, 2016
Known Aliases
SamasSAM

How SamSam Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

Requires parameter (file with RSA pub key (2048 bits)) https://app.any.run/tasks/e60d8876-5f38-4f70-8978-1df8bd60e4a5/ https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/samsam-ransomware-hits-hospitals-city-councils-ics-firms/ https://blog.talosintelligence.com/samsam-evolution-continues-netting-over/

File Encryption Patterns

SamSam modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

File extensions added after encryption:

..encryptedRSA..justbtcwillhelpyou..btcbtcbtc..btc-help-you..only-we_can-help_you..iwanthelpuuu..notfoundrans..checkdiskenced..VforVendetta..happenencedfiles..Whereisyourfiles..helpmeencedfiles..wowwhereismyfiles..wowreadfordecryp..powerfulldecrypt..otherinformation..letmetrydecfiles..encryptedyourfiles..weencedufiles..filegofprencrp..iaufkakfhsaraf..cifgksaffsfyghd..vekanhelpu..moments2900..country82000..supported2017..prosperous666..disposed2017..myransext2017..areyoulovemyrans..weapologize..JayTHL..breeding123..mention9823..greystars@protonmail.com..encryptedAES..encedRSA..stubbin..berkshire

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

After encrypting files, SamSam displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

fileHELP_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.html
fileHELP_FOR_DECRYPT_FILE.html

Ransom message:

notes/HELP_FOR_DECRYPT_FILE.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file/^\d{3}-HELP_FOR_DECRYPT_FILE\.html\b/

Ransom message:

notes/009-HELP_FOR_DECRYPT_FILE.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileREAD-FOR-HELLPP.html

Ransom message:

notes/READ-FOR-HELLPP.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file/^\d{3}-PLEASE-READ-WE-HELP\.html\b/

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file/^\d{3}-HAPPEN-ENCED-FILES\.html\b/

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileWHERE-YOUR-FILES.html
fileHELP-ME-ENCED-FILES.html
file/^\d{3}-PLS-DEC-MY-FILES\.html\b/
file/^\d{3}-WOW-READ-FOR-DECRYP\.html\b/
file/^(\d{3}-)?WE-MUST-DEC-FILES\.html\b/

Ransom message:

notes/000-WE-MUST-DEC-FILES.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file/^(\d{3}-)?IF-YOU-WANT-DEC-FILES\.html\b/
file/^(\d{3}-)?LET-ME-TRY-DEC-FILES\.html\b/
file/^(\d{3}-)?READ-FOR-DECRYPT-FILES\.html\b/
file/^(\d{3}-)?READ-READ-READ\.html\b/

Ransom message:

notes/READ-READ-READ.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
filePLEASE-READIT-IF_YOU-WANT.html
fileIF_WANT_FILES_BACK_PLS_READ.html
fileREAD_READ_DEC_FILES.html
fileWE-CAN-HELP-U.html
file/^(\d{3}-)?PLEASE-README-AFFECTED-FILES\.html\b/

Ransom message:

notes/PLEASE-README-AFFECTED-FILES.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file/^(\d{3}-)?PLEASE-README-HOWTO-RECOVERY\.html\b/

Ransom message:

notes/PLEASE-README-HOWTO-RECOVERY.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file/^(\d{3}-)?DO-YOU-WANT-FILES\.html\b/
file/^(\d{4}-)?DO-YOU-WANT-FILES\.html\b/
file/^(\d{4}-)?SORRY-FOR-FILES\.html\b/
fileFuckYouJayTHL_HELP_ENCRYPTED_FILES.TXT

Ransom message:

notes/FuckYouJayTHL_HELP_ENCRYPTED_FILES.TXT

Note locations:

EveryFolder

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with SamSam ransomware:

  • showmehowto.exe
  • flashupon.sav
  • samsam.exe
  • wanadoesme.exe
  • foreswan2.exe
  • WinDir.exe
  • sobusy.exe
  • amqoni2.exe
  • carnavio2.exe
  • carnavio2.ex_
  • toclose.exe
  • barbosa2.exe
  • faraway.exe
  • preguess2.exe
  • preguess2
  • emetic45.exe
  • 6c9d69fe-2f7e-2301-f598-738e7b987644_1d2525ef547865f
  • a7dfbbe7-67c9-f440-cd2c-95bc374b9cc7_1d25252b0838a60
  • 4bb8c2ae-6a2a-6d46-a252-1e3532bded93_1d24f7681546273
  • alt6982.tmp
  • alt6859.tmp
  • ana_test.abc
  • way3.exe
  • cheerful2.exe
  • 2768784_cheerful2.exe
  • convinced2.exe
  • valley2.exe
  • ConsoleApplication2.exe
  • Test
  • Test.exe
  • sam1.exe
  • updatewin3.exe
  • U398ZPS5.exe
  • barbimos2.exe

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About This Analysis

This SamSam ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like SamSam.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

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