Ransomware Research

CryptConsole-2018 Ransomware

CryptConsole-2018 is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on April 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: CryptConsole-2-2018, CryptConsole-3-2018-2021.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
CryptConsole-2018
First Seen
April 1, 2018
Known Aliases
CryptConsole-2-2018CryptConsole-3-2018-2021

How CryptConsole-2018 Ransomware Works

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

After encrypting files, CryptConsole-2018 displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

fileHOW DECRIPT FILES.hta

Ransom message:

notes/HOW DECRIPT FILES.hta

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileREADME.hta
fileREADME.txt

Ransom message:

notes/README.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileFILE DECODER.txt

Ransom message:

notes/FILE DECODER.txt
file!!ReadmeForHelp!!.txt

Ransom message:

notes/!!ReadmeForHelp!!.txt

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with CryptConsole-2018 ransomware:

  • smsss.exe
  • HEUR.Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic.c35506bd3fedad57e7f1ea975ebcaec5.exe
  • myfile.exe
  • ransomware
  • sequre@tuta.io_736D7373732E657865
  • xzet@tutanota.com_736D7373732E657865
  • smss.exe
  • Crypt_Console.exe
  • crypt_console.exe
  • crypt.exe
  • !xzer@tutanota.com_736D7373732E657865
  • zizz@tutanota.de_736D7373732E657865
  • zizz@tutanota.exe.bin
  • smsssA.exe
  • systemA.exe
  • GitHub Desktop
  • afmPECYzE.bin
  • sample.exe
  • Microsoft Updater.exe
  • Microsoft Updater 4.exe
  • Microsoft Lan Updater 4.exe

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About This Analysis

This CryptConsole-2018 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 CryptConsole-2018.

Last updated: October 30, 2025

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