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:
BAD_GOPHER.txt
Ransom message:
notes/BAD_GOPHER.txt
Note locations:
Desktop
READ_TO_DECRYPT.html
Ransom message:
notes/READ_TO_DECRYPT.html
Note locations:
Desktop
HELP-ME-RESTORE-MY-FILES-BACK.html
Ransom message:
notes/HELP-ME-RESTORE-MY-FILES-BACK.html
Note locations:
Desktop
HELP-ME-RESTORE-MY-FILES.html
Ransom message:
notes/HELP-ME-RESTORE-MY-FILES.html
Note locations:
Desktop
IMPORTANT-FILES_ENCRYPTED.html
Ransom message:
notes/IMPORTANT-FILES_ENCRYPTED.html
Note locations:
Desktop
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
Elastio Can Help You
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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