Ransomware Research
Cactus Ransomware
Cactus is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2023, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Cactus
- First Seen
- March 1, 2023
How Cactus Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
NOSAMPLE
File Encryption Patterns
Cactus modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..CTS0..CTS1Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Cactus displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
cAcTuS.readme.txtRansom message:
notes/cAcTuS.readme.txt
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About This Analysis
This Cactus 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 Cactus.
Last updated: July 30, 2025