file#Decryption#.txt
notes/#Decryption#.txt
Location: EveryFolder
Ransomware Research
BigBossHorse Ransomware
BigBossHorse is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on January 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Heronpiston, Horsedeal, HorseLeader, XHamster, InHorseWeTrust.
Quick facts
- Ransomware Family
- BigBossHorse
- First Seen
- January 1, 2020
- Known Aliases
- Heronpiston
- Horsedeal
- HorseLeader
- XHamster
- InHorseWeTrust
How BigBossHorse ransomware works
File modification behavior
BigBossHorse updates file modification timestamps after encryption.
File encryption patterns
BigBossHorse modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Extensions added after encryption
- .heronpiston
- .horsedeal
- .horseleader
- .XHAMSTER
- .zipzipulya
- .Zhirinovsky
- .WhiteHorse
- .file.decrypt
- .NUNCATARDE
- .LIKEAHORSE
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, BigBossHorse displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
file#Decrypt#.txt
notes/#Decrypt#.txt
Location: EveryFolder
file#File.decrypt#.txt
notes/#File.decrypt#.txt
Location: EveryFolder
file#RECOVERY#.txt
notes/#RECOVERY#.txt
Location: EveryFolder
screenshot
notes/41D2.tmp.jpg
Location: Desktop
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with BigBossHorse ransomware:
- avgdiagex.exe
- AVGDIAGEX.EXE
- RedDrip_test_signed
- Wmiprvse.exe
- Trojan.Ransom.HorseLeader.exe
- Trojan.Ransom.GarrantyDecrypt.exe
- WMIAPSRVR.EXE
- svchosts.exe
- encryptor.exe
- and.ex_
- like_a_horse.bin
About this analysis
This BigBossHorse 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 BigBossHorse.
Detection coverage
Elastio detects BigBossHorse inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify BigBossHorse across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a hunt against your recovery points to confirm.