file/^# instructions-[A-Z0-9]{5}
notes/# instructions-QLD1A #.txt
Location: EveryFolder
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 modification behavior
Golden Axe updates file modification timestamps after encryption.
File encryption patterns
Golden Axe modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
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}
notes/# instructions-QLD1A #.vbs
Location: EveryFolder
file/^# instructions-[A-Z0-9]{5}
notes/# instructions-QLD1A #.jpg
Location: EveryFolder
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with Golden Axe ransomware:
- Flash_Player.exe
- Golden Axe.exe
About this analysis
This Golden Axe ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like Golden Axe.
Detection coverage
Elastio detects Golden Axe inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Golden Axe across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a hunt against your recovery points to confirm.