Ransomware Research

Kraken Cryptor Ransomware

Kraken Cryptor is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on August 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: KrakenCryptor.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Kraken Cryptor
First Seen
August 1, 2018
Known Aliases
KrakenCryptor

How Kraken Cryptor Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

Check for date (in ticks https://tickstodatetime.azurewebsites.net/). (To success start set date to start of 2018) Renames files https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/kraken-cryptor-ransomware-masquerading-as-superantispyware-security-program/

File Encryption Patterns

Kraken Cryptor modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

File extensions added after encryption:

..onion./\.[A-Z0-9]{5}$/

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

file# How to Decrypt Files.txt

Ransom message:

notes/# How to Decrypt Files.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file# How to Decrypt Files.html

Ransom message:

notes/# How to Decrypt Files.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file/^# How to Decrypt Files-[A-Z0-9]{5}\.html$/

Ransom message:

notes/# How to Decrypt Files-ICDZ4.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file/^Instructions-[A-Z0-9]{5}\.html$/

Ransom message:

notes/Instructions-PTFON.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
screenshot

Ransom message:

notes/wallpaper.png

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Kraken Cryptor ransomware:

  • Kraken.exe
  • kraken.exe
  • KrakenCryptor.exe
  • auService.exe
  • krakenc.exe
  • file.exe
  • myfile.exe
  • SUPERAntiSpywares.exe
  • Main.exe
  • Yandex.exe
  • UAC.exe
  • partmgr.sys
  • Kraken.bin
  • 2018-10-04_19-37-40.bin
  • 2018-10-04_19-37-40.exe

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About This Analysis

This Kraken Cryptor 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 Kraken Cryptor.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

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