Ransomware Research
Cring Ransomware
Cring is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on December 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Cring Hand, Crypt3r.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Cring
- First Seen
- December 1, 2020
- Known Aliases
- Cring HandCrypt3r
How Cring Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
Cring modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..cring..RSA..jpghosts..phantom..VnBeHa99y..pay4it..lldc..locked..sg-ghosts..just4moneyRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Cring displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
deReadMe!!!.txtRansom message:
notes/deReadMe!!!.txt
Note locations:
Desktop!!!!deReadMe!!!.txtHOW_CAN_GET_FILES_BACK.txtRansom message:
notes/HOW_CAN_GET_FILES_BACK.txt
Note locations:
RootDiscsDesktopHOW_CAN_GET_FILES_BACK.rtfRansom message:
notes/HOW_CAN_GET_FILES_BACK.rtf
Note locations:
RootDiscsDesktopHOW_TO_GET_FILES_BACK.txtLOOK_THIS_BACK_FILE.txtLOOK_THIS_BACK_FILE.rtfHOW_CAN_RECOVERY.txtRansom message:
notes/HOW_CAN_RECOVERY.txt
Note locations:
DesktopTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Cring ransomware:
cring.exe848299.exeSchoolPrject1.exeGhost.exeGhost-cleaned.exe!Jpghosts.logPcest.bin
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About This Analysis
This Cring 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 Cring.
Last updated: October 30, 2025
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