- Home
- Detectable Ransomware
- GhostCrypt
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:
..Z81928819
Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, GhostCrypt displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
READ_THIS_FILE.txt
Ransom message:
notes/READ_THIS_FILE.txt
Note locations:
Desktop
Ransom message:
notes/note.txt
Note locations:
Login
Elastio Can Help You
Don't let GhostCrypt ransomware take over your data
Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions to keep your organization safe.
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