Ransomware Research
Cerber-2021 Ransomware
Cerber-2021 is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on November 1, 2021, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: CerberImposter 2021, CerberCrypt, CerberLocker.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Cerber-2021
- First Seen
- November 1, 2021
- Known Aliases
- CerberImposter 2021CerberCryptCerberLocker
How Cerber-2021 Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
Requires C&C https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/772cad26853c7d8ea8f1023f6e3cba219cc9bb1db1cd31ad2b979e59d3d9c631/61b0ea795c7a233200060dfe https://cyble.com/blog/cerber2021-ransomware-back-in-action/ https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/new-cerber-ransomware-targets-confluence-and-gitlab-servers/ https://www.joesandbox.com/analysis/535400/0/html https://elfdigest.com/report/2ace8c4c98c050a9cf57e0e275848c6cf7122f19f4136dabb94a130a88d77997
File Encryption Patterns
Cerber-2021 modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..lockedRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Cerber-2021 displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
__$$RECOVERY_README$$__.htmlRansom message:
notes/__$$RECOVERY_README$$__.html
Technical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Cerber-2021 ransomware:
Cerber2.bintmp.conf.2w2ace8c4c98c050a9cf57e0e275848c6cf7122f19f4136dabb94a130a88d77997_.json011c.bintmp.conf.2p
Elastio Can Help You
Don't let Cerber-2021 ransomware take over your data
Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions to keep your organization safe.
About This Analysis
This Cerber-2021 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-2021.
Last updated: July 30, 2025