Ransomware Research

Dusk Ransomware

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

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Dusk
First Seen
September 1, 2020

How Dusk Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..Dusk

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

file!#!READ-ME!#!.txt

Ransom message:

notes/!#!READ-ME!#!.txt

Note locations:

Desktop
fileREADME.txt

Ransom message:

notes/README.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
screenshot

Ransom message:

notes/Notification.jpg

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Dusk ransomware:

  • Dusk.exe

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About This Analysis

This Dusk 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 Dusk.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

Dusk Ransomware - Detectable by Elastio