Explorer Ransomware
Explorer is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on July 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Explorer V1.58.
Quick facts
How Explorer ransomware works
File encryption patterns
Explorer modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Explorer displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/READ_IT.txt
notes/wallpaper.bmp
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with Explorer ransomware:
- explerer.exe
About this analysis
This Explorer ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like Explorer.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects Explorer inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Explorer across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a scan against your recovery points to confirm.
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