Ransomware Research

District Ransomware

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

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
District
First Seen
October 1, 2018
Known Aliases
CtrlAlt

How District Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

Full extension -> .сtrlalt@cock.li.district -> .altdelete@cock.li.district

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..district

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileREAD_IT.district

Ransom message:

notes/READ_IT.district

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with District ransomware:

  • mutated_DistrictRansomware.bin
  • DistrictRansomware.bin
  • Trojan.Ransom.District.exe
  • Ransomware District.exe
  • 508.json
  • 2018-10-04 District.exe
  • District.exe
  • myfile.exe
  • alt.exe
  • DistrictRansomware.exe

Elastio Can Help You

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About This Analysis

This District 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 District.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

District Ransomware - Detectable by Elastio