Ransomware Research

Gopher Ransomware

Gopher is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2021, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Bad-Gopher.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Gopher
First Seen
March 1, 2021
Known Aliases
Bad-Gopher

How Gopher Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

encrypted files names could be encoded with base64 FILES_ENCRYPTED.html - list of encrypted files. Not a ransom note BAD_GOPHER.txt - contains victim's ID

File Encryption Patterns

Gopher modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

File extensions added after encryption:

..gopher..NASAcry..LOCKEDmanager04@protonmail.com

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

After encrypting files, Gopher displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

fileBAD_GOPHER.txt

Ransom message:

notes/BAD_GOPHER.txt

Note locations:

Desktop
fileREAD_TO_DECRYPT.html

Ransom message:

notes/READ_TO_DECRYPT.html

Note locations:

Desktop
fileHELP-ME-RESTORE-MY-FILES-BACK.html

Ransom message:

notes/HELP-ME-RESTORE-MY-FILES-BACK.html

Note locations:

Desktop
fileHELP-ME-RESTORE-MY-FILES.html

Ransom message:

notes/HELP-ME-RESTORE-MY-FILES.html

Note locations:

Desktop
fileIMPORTANT-FILES_ENCRYPTED.html

Ransom message:

notes/IMPORTANT-FILES_ENCRYPTED.html

Note locations:

Desktop
screenshot

Ransom message:

notes/BAD_GOPHER.jpg

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Gopher ransomware:

  • Restore Your Files.exe
  • restore your files.exe
  • yyt.bin
  • ransomw.exe

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About This Analysis

This Gopher 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 Gopher.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

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