Ransomware Research
Apocalypse Ransomware
Apocalypse is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on June 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: ApocalypseVM.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Apocalypse
- First Seen
- June 1, 2016
- Known Aliases
- ApocalypseVM
How Apocalypse Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
Apocalypse modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..bleepYourFiles..unavailable..Encryptedfile..SecureCrypted..encrypted..locked..FuckYourData./\.[a-z0-9]{13}/Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Apocalypse displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
/[a-fA-F\d]{32}\.(txt|TXT)/Note locations:
EveryFile{origin_filename}.How_To_Decrypt.txtRansom message:
notes/doc1.How_To_Decrypt.txt
Note locations:
EveryFile{origin_filename}.README.TxtRansom message:
notes/descript.ion.README.Txt
Note locations:
EveryFileTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Apocalypse ransomware:
windowsupdate.exemarkovka.exe
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About This Analysis
This Apocalypse 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 Apocalypse.
Last updated: July 30, 2025