Ransomware Research

Hamster Ransomware

Hamster is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on November 1, 2021, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Hamster
First Seen
November 1, 2021

How Hamster Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

Encrypts first 10% of file

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..hamster

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileHow To decrypt.txt

Ransom message:

notes/How To decrypt.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Hamster ransomware:

  • e_win.exe

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About This Analysis

This Hamster 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 Hamster.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

Hamster Ransomware - Detectable by Elastio