Ransomware Research

MuchLove Ransomware

MuchLove is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
MuchLove
First Seen
February 1, 2020

How MuchLove Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

Communicates with C&C

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..encrypted

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileREAD_IT.txt

Ransom message:

notes/READ_IT.txt

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with MuchLove ransomware:

  • WinUpdt.exe
  • temp2.exe
  • TEMP2.EXE

Elastio Can Help You

Don't let MuchLove ransomware take over your data

Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions to keep your organization safe.

About This Analysis

This MuchLove 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 MuchLove.

Last updated: July 30, 2025