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:

file/^# instructions-[A-Z0-9]{5}

Ransom message:

notes/# instructions-QLD1A #.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file/^# instructions-[A-Z0-9]{5}

Ransom message:

notes/# instructions-QLD1A #.vbs

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file/^# 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

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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

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