Ransomware Research

Hive Ransomware

Hive is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on December 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Hive
First Seen
December 1, 2020

How Hive Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

https://socradar.io/dark-web-profile-hive-ransomware-group/ Extensions -> 13-Using_Powerpoint.ppt.PYxzzZn__9QwlOS4HFyc;PDF1.pdf._Vui-lJT-1BQNJh4nJxw

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..hive..w2tnk..uj1ps..qxycv..accuj..aumcc..sncip./\.[\w-]{20}/

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileHOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt

Ransom message:

notes/HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file/[a-zA-Z0-9]{4}_HOW_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 Hive ransomware:

  • 764796-1652561297.exe
  • encryptor_win32.exe
  • encryptor_win64.exe
  • lock.exe
  • E.exe
  • muimui.exe
  • a2112.exe
  • 2.exe
  • windows.exe
  • xxx.exe
  • zzz32.exe
  • windows_x64_encrypt.exe
  • xxx.ex_
  • xxx.exe

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About This Analysis

This Hive 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 Hive.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

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