Ransomware Research
Exotic Ransomware
Exotic is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on October 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Exotic
- First Seen
- October 1, 2016
How Exotic Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
Random encrypted filenames
File Encryption Patterns
Exotic modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..exotic
Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Exotic displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
Ransom message:
notes/note.txt
Note locations:
OnceOnCompletion
Technical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Exotic ransomware:
Crypto.exe
exotic.exe.dontrun
Module.exe
EXOTIC Ransomware.exe
Microsoft Audiodriver.exe
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About This Analysis
This Exotic 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 Exotic.
Last updated: July 30, 2025