Ransomware Research

DarkSide Ransomware

DarkSide is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on August 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
DarkSide
First Seen
August 1, 2020

How DarkSide Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

./\.[0-9a-f]{8}$/

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

file/^README\.[0-9a-f]{8}.TXT$/

Ransom message:

notes/README.1d673a7f.TXT

Note locations:

EveryFolder
screenshot

Ransom message:

notes/d0f4572a.png

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with DarkSide ransomware:

  • TZXG9esW.exe
  • acer.exe
  • 8nk8SUWm.exe
  • ut.exe
  • dark_side12.exe
  • RDZQKMaygacTXDgnBZrnamh.exe
  • GrkkupZg.exe
  • idfoodsf.exe
  • WtrA3YYo.exe
  • dsfds.exe
  • UVyqsfEZ.exe
  • 2.exe
  • calimalimodumator.exe
  • MicSwitch.exe
  • dark_side28.exe
  • 3Opi9pp1.exe
  • Darkside.exe
  • EMOTET.exe
  • homie.exe
  • partmgr.sys
  • sample2.exe
  • aF8OQuGk.exe
  • mokster_encryptor.exe

Elastio Can Help You

Don't let DarkSide ransomware take over your data

Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions to keep your organization safe.

Learn MoreRequest a Demo

About This Analysis

This DarkSide 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 DarkSide.

Last updated: September 30, 2025

Recent Ransomware

Explore other threats in our database

View all ransomware