Ransomware Research

Phobos Ransomware

Phobos is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on January 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Phobos 2.0, Phobos NextGen, Phobos NotDharma.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Phobos
First Seen
January 1, 2019
Known Aliases
Phobos 2.0Phobos NextGenPhobos NotDharma

How Phobos Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..phobos..Frendi..phoenix..actor..mamba..actin..KARLOS..help..com..Acton..adage..blend..WALLET..acute..1500dollars..Acuna..Adame..banjo..BORISHORSE..Banta..BANKS..Adair..zax..HORSELIKER..barak..Barak..Caley..Caleb..deal..Cales..calix..elder..octopus..age..deuce..angus..Calum..Dever..Devon..devil..Devos..bablo..dewar..eight..revon..eject..iso..eking..isos..Acuff..ELDAOSLA..Antivirus..DLL..WIN..PERDAK..XIII..Drik..Elbie..LOWPRICE..MONETA..BOOM..Lookfornewitguy..PAYMENT..[MerlinWebster@aol.com].com..[DonovanTudor@aol.com].com..XHAMSTER..DIKE

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileData.hta

Ransom message:

notes/Data.hta
fileEncrypted.txt

Ransom message:

notes/Encrypted.txt
fileencrypted.txt

Ransom message:

notes/encrypted.txt
fileinfo.txt

Ransom message:

notes/info.txt

Note locations:

DesktopRootDiscs
fileinfo.hta

Ransom message:

notes/info.hta

Note locations:

DesktopRootDiscs

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Phobos ransomware:

  • V.zip
  • phobos
  • file.exe
  • myfile.exe
  • dexec.exe
  • exec.exe
  • program.exe
  • Absonkaine.exe
  • ph_exec.exe
  • costelloh.exe
  • 2ph_decrypt.exe
  • software.exe
  • 2ph.exe
  • 2ph_exec.exe
  • ph_exec.bin
  • shaofao.exe
  • greencrypt_crypt.exe
  • 123.exe
  • 0t_2806_ph_exec_1cr13.exe
  • 1.exe
  • 1ph_exec.exe
  • executable.exe
  • Pp3
  • lsaa.exe
  • AppResolver
  • rfds354hfg45.exe
  • 1H41ZDD3.exe
  • phobos.exe
  • phobos.bin
  • Phobos.exe
  • Trojan.Ransom.Phobos.exe
  • Microsoft_Office_ExcelUpdate_KB3216755p.msi++
  • e.exe
  • yIV8ARvwUUZ6.exe
  • 1saas.bin
  • 1saas.exe
  • 1saas.exe12
  • antirecuvaanddb.exe
  • svhost.bin
  • svhost.exe
  • AntiRecuvaAndDB_.exe
  • zax.exe
  • rsfd234df.pe32
  • rsfd234df.exe
  • testing.exe
  • AntiRecuvaAndDB.exe
  • svchost.exe
  • huntress_eRV6KXMW.dll
  • 8KZM4TOR.exe
  • rdgf324dgf23.exe
  • QHLJG22Z.exe
  • E0VKEF63.exe
  • 41ZT0QX3.exe
  • dedolence.exe
  • somnambular.exe
  • UTAKGI.exe
  • rvckjhg.exe
  • XTO4MHH6.exe
  • rbvcvbne.exe
  • NCXWTUXX.exe
  • AntiRecuvaAndDB.ex_
  • 5.10.2019Taskmgr.exe
  • GASAS
  • GASAS.exe
  • gasas.pe32
  • semimonthly.exe
  • portholes.exe
  • rsdf54refsd.exe
  • 3A6K0YNM.exe
  • Fast.exe
  • a1.exe
  • 1sass.exe1
  • 1SASS.EXE.exe
  • 1sass.exe
  • AntiRecuvaAndDB.bin
  • 22.12.19Taskmngr.exe
  • test.exe
  • 3.2.20TASKMNGR.EXE.exe
  • out
  • 3.2.20taskmngr.exe1
  • 3.2.20taskmngr.exe
  • ACMD.exe
  • system.exe
  • 2.exe.v
  • Fast.exeXX.exe
  • Fast.exeXX
  • exec.exe.bak.exe
  • exec.exe.bak
  • fast.exe
  • cusersnextadminappdatalocalfast.exe
  • 2.exe
  • 3.exe
  • unS.exe
  • 626444.dat
  • winrar.exe
  • 375476.dat
  • 262375.dat
  • 416121.dat
  • 46522.dat
  • 378314.dat
  • 27098.dat
  • 497051.dat
  • 834619.dat
  • 1001478.dat
  • 654949.dat
  • 667376.dat
  • 344560.dat
  • db_exec.exe
  • db_exec.exe.old
  • ItFoV.exe
  • AntiRecuvaAndDB.ex_.exe
  • svchostBADSTARTUP.exe
  • KryP.exe
  • dsern.exe
  • 08.12.2019Taskmgr.exe
  • ucesal.exe
  • csrss.exe
  • 10.07.2019taskmgr.exe
  • 1500dollarsAntirecucaFullDB.exe

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About This Analysis

This Phobos 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 Phobos.

Last updated: October 30, 2025

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