Ransomware Research

BlackMatter Ransomware

BlackMatter is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on July 1, 2021, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
BlackMatter
First Seen
July 1, 2021

How BlackMatter ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
./\.[a-zA-Z0-9]{9}/

Ransom note and payment demands

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

file/\.[a-zA-Z0-9]{9}\.README\.txt/
notes/KzGzsrKzM.README.txt
Location: EveryFolder
screenshot
notes/YlKcVsw4j.jpg
Location: Desktop

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with BlackMatter ransomware:

About this analysis

This BlackMatter 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 BlackMatter.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects BlackMatter inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify BlackMatter 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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