Ransomware Research

Pennywise Ransomware

Pennywise is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on October 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Pennywise
First Seen
October 1, 2017

How Pennywise Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

Encrypts only test folder

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..beep

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

message

Ransom message:

notes/note.txt

Note locations:

OnceOnCompletion

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Pennywise ransomware:

  • Setup.exe
  • 4.exe
  • Jigsaw.exe
  • jigsaw.exe

Elastio Can Help You

Don't let Pennywise ransomware take over your data

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

About This Analysis

This Pennywise 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 Pennywise.

Last updated: July 30, 2025