Ransomware Research
Cerber Ransomware
Cerber is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Cerber
- First Seen
- February 1, 2016
How Cerber Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/2d08ffeba708fb833404d2c320ea4f29365c791d504181e08e3e9b529f5cf096?environmentId=1
File Encryption Patterns
Cerber modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..cerber
..cerber2
..cerber3
Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Cerber displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
# DECRYPT MY FILES #.html
Ransom message:
notes/# DECRYPT MY FILES #.html
Note locations:
EveryFolder
# DECRYPT MY FILES #.txt
Ransom message:
notes/# DECRYPT MY FILES #.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolder
# DECRYPT MY FILES #.url
Ransom message:
notes/# DECRYPT MY FILES #.url
Note locations:
EveryFolder
# DECRYPT MY FILES #.vbs
Ransom message:
notes/# DECRYPT MY FILES #.vbs
Note locations:
EveryFolder
# HELP DECRYPT #.html
Ransom message:
notes/# HELP DECRYPT #.html
Note locations:
EveryFolder
# HELP DECRYPT #.txt
Ransom message:
notes/# HELP DECRYPT #.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolder
# HELP DECRYPT #.url
Ransom message:
notes/# HELP DECRYPT #.url
Note locations:
EveryFolder
Technical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Cerber ransomware:
instnm.exe
xwizard.exe
waitfor.exe
1.exe
cerber_payload.exe
2016-0-neutrino.mem.exe
icardagt.exe
cmdkey.exe
ReAgentc.exe
lodctr.exe
IBxpv.exe
dialer.exe
gpresult.exe
rdrleakdiag.exe
eventvwr.exe
play.exe
Elastio Can Help You
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About This Analysis
This Cerber 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 Cerber.
Last updated: July 30, 2025