Ransomware Research
GhostCrypt Ransomware
GhostCrypt is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- GhostCrypt
- First Seen
- February 1, 2016
How GhostCrypt Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
GhostCrypt modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..Z81928819Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, GhostCrypt displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
READ_THIS_FILE.txtRansom message:
notes/READ_THIS_FILE.txt
Note locations:
DesktopRansom message:
notes/note.txt
Note locations:
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About This Analysis
This GhostCrypt 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 GhostCrypt.
Last updated: July 30, 2025