HelloKitty is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on October 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Kitty.
Quick Facts
Ransomware Family
HelloKitty
First Seen
October 1, 2020
Known Aliases
Kitty
How HelloKitty Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
HelloKitty modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..crypted..kitty..crypt..v-society..boombye
Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, HelloKitty displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
fileread_me_lkdtt.txt
Ransom message:
notes/read_me_lkdtt.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolder
fileread_me_lkd.txt
Ransom message:
notes/read_me_lkd.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolder
fileread_me_unlock.txt
Ransom message:
notes/read_me_unlock.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolder
file_read_me_bro.txt
Ransom message:
notes/_read_me_bro.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolder
Technical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with HelloKitty ransomware:
ag.exe
ransomware.Exe
Trojan.Ransom.HelloKitty.exe
ls.exe
Elastio Can Help You
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This HelloKitty 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 HelloKitty.