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

File encryption patterns

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

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
notes/HELP_FOR_DECRYPT_FILE.html
Location: EveryFolder
file/^\d{3}-HELP_FOR_DECRYPT_FILE\.html\b/
notes/009-HELP_FOR_DECRYPT_FILE.html
Location: EveryFolder
fileREAD-FOR-HELLPP.html
notes/READ-FOR-HELLPP.html
Location: EveryFolder
file/^\d{3}-PLEASE-READ-WE-HELP\.html\b/
Location: EveryFolder
file/^\d{3}-HAPPEN-ENCED-FILES\.html\b/
Location: 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/
notes/000-WE-MUST-DEC-FILES.html
Location: 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/
notes/READ-READ-READ.html
Location: 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/
notes/PLEASE-README-AFFECTED-FILES.html
Location: EveryFolder
file/^(\d{3}-)?PLEASE-README-HOWTO-RECOVERY\.html\b/
notes/PLEASE-README-HOWTO-RECOVERY.html
Location: 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
notes/FuckYouJayTHL_HELP_ENCRYPTED_FILES.TXT
Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with SamSam ransomware:

About this analysis

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

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects SamSam inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify SamSam across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a scan against your recovery points to confirm.

See How the Hunt Engine WorksRequest a Demo

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