Ransomware Research

Avest Ransomware

Avest is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on August 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Pack14.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Avest
First Seen
August 1, 2019
Known Aliases
Pack14

How Avest ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.pack14

Ransom note and payment demands

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

file!!!Readme!!!Help!!!.txt
notes/!!!Readme!!!Help!!!.txt
Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Avest ransomware:

About this analysis

This Avest 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 Avest.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Avest inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Avest 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

Recent ransomware

Explore other threats in our database

Wxlongda2025VeilCrypt2025TitanLabooboo2025SolidBit2022SnapHackLocker2024PySystemUpdate2025PySimCrypt2025Monkey2025Lol2025HWID2025
View all ransomware →