Ransomware Research
Karma Ransomware
Karma is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on November 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Karma
- First Seen
- November 1, 2016
How Karma Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/6545ae2b8811884ad257a7fb25b1eb0cb63cfc66a742fa76fd44bddd05b74fe8?environmentId=120 https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/researcher-finds-the-karma-ransomware-being-distributed-via-pay-per-install-network/
File Encryption Patterns
Karma modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..karmaRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Karma displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
# DECRYPT MY FILES #.txtRansom message:
notes/# DECRYPT MY FILES #.txt
Note locations:
Desktop# DECRYPT MY FILES #.htmlRansom message:
notes/# DECRYPT MY FILES #.html
Note locations:
DesktopTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Karma ransomware:
Windows-TuneUp.exeV0MMIrLf1ZRansomWARE_Karma_SIGNED (2)Karma.exeWindows-TuneUp__.exe
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About This Analysis
This Karma 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 Karma.
Last updated: July 30, 2025