Ransomware Research

Bitpaymer Ransomware

Bitpaymer is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on July 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: WPEncrypt, FriedEx, Bitpaymer NextGen.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Bitpaymer
First Seen
July 1, 2017
Known Aliases
WPEncryptFriedExBitpaymer NextGen

How Bitpaymer ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.locked.LOCK.lmtgr0up

Ransom note and payment demands

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

file{origin_filename}.readme_txt
notes/DOC1.docx.readme_txt
Location: EveryFile
file{origin_filename}.lmtgr0up_readme
notes/descript.ion.lmtgr0up_readme
Location: EveryFile
fileHOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt
notes/HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt
Location: RootDiscs, Desktop

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Bitpaymer ransomware:

About this analysis

This Bitpaymer 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 Bitpaymer.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Bitpaymer inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Bitpaymer 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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