Ransomware Research

Armage Ransomware

Armage is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on July 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: QNBQW, zzz12.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Armage
First Seen
July 1, 2018
Known Aliases
QNBQWzzz12

How Armage ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.qnbqw.zzz12.armage

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileNotice.txt
notes/Notice.txt
Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Armage ransomware:

About this analysis

This Armage 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 Armage.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Armage inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Armage 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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