Ransomware Research

GandCrab-2 Ransomware

GandCrab-2 is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
GandCrab-2
First Seen
March 1, 2018

How GandCrab-2 Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

Requires C&C for key exchange

File Encryption Patterns

GandCrab-2 modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

File extensions added after encryption:

..CRAB

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

After encrypting files, GandCrab-2 displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

fileCRAB-DECRYPT.txt

Ransom message:

notes/CRAB-DECRYPT.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with GandCrab-2 ransomware:

  • MR_GandCrab2_v100r
  • LockerLoader.exe
  • GandCrab v2.bin
  • 128384.EXE
  • crabv2_.exe
  • r.exe
  • a157ca89.gxe
  • 2018-03-16-GandCrab-sample.exe
  • myfile.exe

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About This Analysis

This GandCrab-2 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 GandCrab-2.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

GandCrab-2 Ransomware - Detectable by Elastio