Ransomware Research

Pompous Ransomware

Pompous is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: SkidLocker.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Pompous
First Seen
March 1, 2016
Known Aliases
SkidLocker

How Pompous Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..Locked..mp4

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileREAD_IT.txt

Ransom message:

notes/READ_IT.txt

Note locations:

Desktop
screenshot

Ransom message:

notes/By3yCwd.jpg

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Pompous ransomware:

  • mm.exe
  • mm1.exe
  • svhost.exe

Elastio Can Help You

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About This Analysis

This Pompous 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 Pompous.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

Pompous Ransomware - Detectable by Elastio