Ransomware Research
Pay2Key Ransomware
Pay2Key is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on October 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Pay2Key
- First Seen
- October 1, 2020
How Pay2Key Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
Receives keys from C&C https://research.checkpoint.com/2020/ransomware-alert-pay2key/
File Encryption Patterns
Pay2Key modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..pay2keyRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Pay2Key displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
[ORGANIZATION]_MESSAGE.TXTRansom message:
notes/_MESSAGE.TXT
Technical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Pay2Key ransomware:
pass2key.exeCobalt.Client.exeCobalt.Client.ekze
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About This Analysis
This Pay2Key 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 Pay2Key.
Last updated: July 30, 2025