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
HeronpistonHorsedealHorseLeaderXHamsterInHorseWeTrust

How BigBossHorse Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File 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#Decryption#.txt

Ransom message:

notes/#Decryption#.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file#Decrypt#.txt

Ransom message:

notes/#Decrypt#.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file#File.decrypt#.txt

Ransom message:

notes/#File.decrypt#.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file#RECOVERY#.txt

Ransom message:

notes/#RECOVERY#.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
screenshot

Ransom message:

notes/41D2.tmp.jpg

Note locations:

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

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About This Analysis

This BigBossHorse 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 BigBossHorse.

Last updated: October 30, 2025

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