Ransomware Research
DolphinTear Ransomware
DolphinTear is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on May 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- DolphinTear
- First Seen
- May 1, 2017
How DolphinTear Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
Current samples encrypt only "test" folder on the Desktop
File Encryption Patterns
DolphinTear modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..dolphinRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, DolphinTear displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
LIES_MICH.txtRansom message:
notes/LIES_MICH.txt
Note locations:
DesktopTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with DolphinTear ransomware:
i-am-a-dolphin.exei-am-a-dolphin.exe.1
Elastio Can Help You
Don't let DolphinTear ransomware take over your data
Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions to keep your organization safe.
About This Analysis
This DolphinTear 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 DolphinTear.
Last updated: July 30, 2025