Samas/SamSam ransomware affected file
File type: Ransomware encrypted file
A powerfulldecrypt file is an original file encrypted by a Samas/SamSam ransomware variant. The ransomware renames the encrypted file by adding the .powerfulldecrypt file extension.
This is not a legitimate file format and cannot be opened normally by an application.
File type category:
Ransomware encrypted file
Date updated: October 16, 2026
The powerfulldecrypt file extension was used by some later variants of Samas/SamSam ransomware, which first appeared in January 2017. The file contains the victim's original data in encrypted form.
The ransomware also drops a ransom note named WE-MUST-DEC-FILES.html in affected folders. Affected files require a decryptor for the exact Samas/SamSam variant before their original contents can be accessed.
There is no regular application that can open a powerfulldecrypt file. A decryptor designed for the exact Samas/SamSam ransomware variant is required, and the availability of a working decryptor cannot be assumed.
Do not rename the file or change its extension as this will not decrypt its contents.
An encrypted powerfulldecrypt file cannot be meaningfully converted. It must first be decrypted, after which the recovered file can be opened or converted according to its original format.
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