Ransomware Research

Nuke Ransomware

Nuke is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on October 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Nuke
First Seen
October 1, 2016

How Nuke Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..0x5bm..nuclear55

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

file!!_RECOVERY_instructions_!!.txt

Ransom message:

notes/!!_RECOVERY_instructions_!!.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file!!_RECOVERY_instructions_!!.html

Ransom message:

notes/!!_RECOVERY_instructions_!!.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
screenshot

Ransom message:

notes/desktop_wallpaper.bmp

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Nuke ransomware:

  • Nuke.exe
  • Trojan.Ransom.Nuke.exe
  • Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Scatter.dj-a2d2a485d33fd2ea8cdae677efffda26911bc737d520d1e8d2028136b160c9fb
  • scan_JJD0002844936400575,pdf.exe
  • NUKE.EXE

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About This Analysis

This Nuke 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 Nuke.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

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