Ransomware Research
Clown Ransomware
Clown is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2023, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Clown
- First Seen
- February 1, 2023
How Clown Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
Base-64 encrypted contents
File Encryption Patterns
Clown modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..clownRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Clown displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
read_it.txtRansom message:
notes/read_it.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolderTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Clown ransomware:
svchost.execlown.exe
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About This Analysis
This Clown 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 Clown.
Last updated: July 30, 2025