Ransomware Research

APEX Ransomware

APEX is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on May 1, 2025, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
APEX
First Seen
May 1, 2025

How APEX Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..Apex

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileAPEXNOTE.txt

Ransom message:

notes/APEXNOTE.txt

Note locations:

UserFoldersRoaming
screenshot

Ransom message:

notes/CachedImage_1834_904_POS4.jpg

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with APEX ransomware:

  • ConsoleApp2.exe
  • discord.exe
  • ASetup.exe

Elastio Can Help You

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About This Analysis

This APEX 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 APEX.

Last updated: July 30, 2025