Ransomware Research

PayDOS Ransomware

PayDOS 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. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Serpent.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
PayDOS
First Seen
October 1, 2016
Known Aliases
Serpent

How PayDOS Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

Renames files only

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..dnk..dpg..dif..dng -.dxe..dsi..dp3..dgg..dav..dov..dvi..dp4..dxt..drl

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

message

Ransom message:

notes/note.txt

Note locations:

OnceOnCompletion
fileREADME.txt

Ransom message:

notes/README.txt

Note locations:

RansomPayloadStartFolder

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with PayDOS ransomware:

  • Trojan.Ransom.PayDOS.exe
  • PayDOS_Ransomware_unlockcode_AES1014DW256
  • SpikeSkype_SETUP.exe
  • ransomware (13).exe

Elastio Can Help You

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About This Analysis

This PayDOS 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 PayDOS.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

PayDOS Ransomware - Detectable by Elastio