Ransomware Research

CerberTear Ransomware

CerberTear is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on October 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
CerberTear
First Seen
October 1, 2016

How CerberTear Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

Requires C&C to send key Encode fielnames with base-64 -> RE9DMw==.docx.cerber https://tria.ge/230621-zcafhace31/behavioral1

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..cerber

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileHOW_TO_RESTORE_YOUR_DATA.html

Ransom message:

notes/HOW_TO_RESTORE_YOUR_DATA.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file# DECRYPT MY FILES #.txt

Ransom message:

notes/# DECRYPT MY FILES #.txt

Note locations:

RansomPayloadStartFolder
file# DECRYPT MY FILES #.vbs

Ransom message:

notes/# DECRYPT MY FILES #.vbs

Note locations:

RansomPayloadStartFolder

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with CerberTear ransomware:

  • 446782172813cd15b04663667e3985c4[1].exe
  • loadit.exe
  • ro51f.exe
  • eda2.exe

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About This Analysis

This CerberTear 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 CerberTear.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

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