Ransomware Research
Minotaur Ransomware
Minotaur is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on October 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Minotaur
- First Seen
- October 1, 2018
How Minotaur Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
Minotaur modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..LockRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Minotaur displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
How To Decrypt Files.txtRansom message:
notes/How To Decrypt Files.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolderTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Minotaur ransomware:
Minotaur.exe2018-07-26 MINOTAUR.exeMINOTAUR.exe2018-10-12-1st-run-Hookads-campaign-payload-Minotaur-ransomware.exe1984df86.gxeout
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About This Analysis
This Minotaur 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 Minotaur.
Last updated: July 30, 2025