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
File Encryption Patterns
Gopher modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..gopher..NASAcry..LOCKEDmanager04@protonmail.comRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Gopher displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
BAD_GOPHER.txtRansom message:
notes/BAD_GOPHER.txt
Note locations:
DesktopREAD_TO_DECRYPT.htmlRansom message:
notes/READ_TO_DECRYPT.html
Note locations:
DesktopHELP-ME-RESTORE-MY-FILES-BACK.htmlRansom message:
notes/HELP-ME-RESTORE-MY-FILES-BACK.html
Note locations:
DesktopHELP-ME-RESTORE-MY-FILES.htmlRansom message:
notes/HELP-ME-RESTORE-MY-FILES.html
Note locations:
DesktopIMPORTANT-FILES_ENCRYPTED.htmlRansom message:
notes/IMPORTANT-FILES_ENCRYPTED.html
Note locations:
DesktopRansom message:
notes/BAD_GOPHER.jpg
Note locations:
DesktopTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Gopher ransomware:
Restore Your Files.exerestore your files.exeyyt.binransomw.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: October 30, 2025
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