Ransomware Research
Consciousness Ransomware
Consciousness is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on September 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Consciousness
- First Seen
- September 1, 2020
How Consciousness Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
Long encryption process Could be terminated via exception (if no rights to folder)
File Encryption Patterns
Consciousness modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..ConsciousnessRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Consciousness displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
Consciousness Ransomware Text Message.txtRansom message:
notes/Consciousness Ransomware Text Message.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolderTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Consciousness ransomware:
TaskHandler.exe
Elastio Can Help You
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About This Analysis
This Consciousness 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 Consciousness.
Last updated: July 30, 2025