Ransomware Research
PewPew Ransomware
PewPew is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on September 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Abkir, Artemis, Optimus.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- PewPew
- First Seen
- September 1, 2020
- Known Aliases
- AbkirArtemisOptimus
How PewPew Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
Full extension of encrypted files -> .id-9C354B42.[khalate@tutanota.com].artemis ->.[badlamadec@gmail.com][MJ-CU9728041536].Lama
File Encryption Patterns
PewPew modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..abkir..artemis..optimus..lamaRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, PewPew displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
info-decrypt.htaRansom message:
notes/info-decrypt.hta
Note locations:
EveryFolderDecrypt-info.txtRansom message:
notes/Decrypt-info.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolder/^ReadMe-\[[A-Z0-9]{8}\]\.txt$/Ransom message:
notes/ReadMe-[C63F241F].txt
Note locations:
EveryFolderTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with PewPew ransomware:
pewpew.exepewpew_p.exe_pewpew_p.exeArtemis.exefile.exebadlamadec@gmail.com.vexebadlamadecgmail.com.exebadlamadec@gmail.com.exe
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About This Analysis
This PewPew 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 PewPew.
Last updated: July 30, 2025