Ransomware Research
MaxCat Ransomware
MaxCat is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on August 1, 2024, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- MaxCat
- First Seen
- August 1, 2024
How MaxCat Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
MaxCat modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
./\.[0-9a-z]{4}$/Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, MaxCat displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
read_it.txtRansom message:
notes/read_it.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolderRansom message:
notes/3vsa4e1vv.jpg
Note locations:
DesktopTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with MaxCat ransomware:
svchost.exesvchost.scr.chaos.jpgsvchost_protected.exe
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About This Analysis
This MaxCat 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 MaxCat.
Last updated: July 30, 2025