Ransomware Research

LIGMA Ransomware

LIGMA 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.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
LIGMA
First Seen
August 1, 2018

How LIGMA ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.ForgiveME

Ransom note and payment demands

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

message
notes/note.txt
Location: Boot

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with LIGMA ransomware:

About this analysis

This LIGMA ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like LIGMA.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects LIGMA inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify LIGMA across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a scan against your recovery points to confirm.

See How the Hunt Engine WorksRequest a Demo

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