Ransomware Research

BTCWare Ransomware

BTCWare is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
BTCWare
First Seen
March 1, 2017

How BTCWare Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

Full extension -> .[sql772@aol.com].theva;.[black.mirror@qq.com].aleta https://app.any.run/tasks/04f4cade-e722-44ab-8a02-1ddb9e3c2ad2/ Set dates to 01 January 1970

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..btcware..theva..onyon..xfile..blocking..master..aleta..cryptowin

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

file#_HOW_TO_FIX.inf

Ransom message:

notes/#_HOW_TO_FIX.inf

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file!#_READ_ME_#!.hta

Ransom message:

notes/!#_READ_ME_#!.hta

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file#_README_#.inf

Ransom message:

notes/#_README_#.inf

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file!#_DECRYPT_#!.inf

Ransom message:

notes/!#_DECRYPT_#!.inf
file!#_RESTORE_FILES_#!.inf

Ransom message:

notes/!#_RESTORE_FILES_#!.inf

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file!#_READ_ME_#!.inf

Ransom message:

notes/!#_READ_ME_#!.inf
fileREAD ME.txt
file#_HOW_TO_FIX_!.hta

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with BTCWare ransomware:

  • mfskSkfkls.exe
  • mfskskfkls.exe
  • czsdxxs.exe
  • CRYPTOBYTE_2XX.exe
  • btcwaretheva
  • zmsksddfff.exe
  • zeifjozej.exe
  • 16312515.exe
  • <random>.exe
  • CryptoLocker.scr
  • dropdrop.exe

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About This Analysis

This BTCWare 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 BTCWare.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

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