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Ransomware Research
Golden Axe Ransomware
Golden Axe is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Golden Axe
- First Seen
- March 1, 2019
How Golden Axe Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
Golden Axe modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
./\.[A-Z0-9]{5}$/
Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Golden Axe displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
/^# instructions-[A-Z0-9]{5}
Ransom message:
notes/# instructions-QLD1A #.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolder
/^# instructions-[A-Z0-9]{5}
Ransom message:
notes/# instructions-QLD1A #.vbs
Note locations:
EveryFolder
/^# instructions-[A-Z0-9]{5}
Ransom message:
notes/# instructions-QLD1A #.jpg
Note locations:
EveryFolder
Technical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Golden Axe ransomware:
Flash_Player.exe
Golden Axe.exe
Elastio Can Help You
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About This Analysis
This Golden Axe 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 Golden Axe.
Last updated: July 30, 2025