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

Targeted Files

Encrypts first 1Mb

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

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
  • #Ransom #DARKSIDE.bin
  • 2.exe
  • calimalimodumator.exe
  • MicSwitch.exe
  • dark_side28.exe
  • 3Opi9pp1.exe
  • Darkside.exe
  • EMOTET.exe
  • homie.exe
  • mokster_encryptor.bin
  • partmgr.sys
  • sample2.exe
  • aF8OQuGk.exe
  • mokster_encryptor.exe

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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: July 30, 2025

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DarkSide Ransomware - Detectable by Elastio