Ransomware Research

JOKER Ransomware

JOKER is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on July 1, 2024, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
JOKER
First Seen
July 1, 2024

How JOKER Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

Incorrect XMR in ransom note -> 48XxCcL849CiC3NqViPWbUfURFpKvsszvBuV4kZBy6nC9BrdCLsZ3rYH2gQ1wPbJHEE2srPiL4sP48attXfTRFUZQwjhXW

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

./\.[0-9a-z]{4}$/..encrypted

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileread_it.txt

Ransom message:

notes/read_it.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileNOTE FROM THE HACKERS.txt

Ransom message:

notes/NOTE FROM THE HACKERS.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
screenshot

Ransom message:

notes/ju3z51i4j.jpg

Note locations:

Desktop
screenshot

Ransom message:

notes/2k709lio6.jpg

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with JOKER ransomware:

  • JokersBox.exe
  • svchost.exe

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About This Analysis

This JOKER 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 JOKER.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

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