Ransomware Research

Pony Ransomware

Pony is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Pony_XXX, 05ntoar0.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Pony
First Seen
February 1, 2019
Known Aliases
Pony_XXX05ntoar0

How Pony Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

https://app.any.run/tasks/3f487fe4-0b9c-45a1-a855-4a3ad3ff9dfb/#

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..crypted_pony_test_build_xxx_xxx_xxx_xxx_xxx

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileIF_YOU_WANT_TO_GET_ALL_YOUR_FILES_BACK_PLEASE_READ_THIS.HTML

Ransom message:

notes/IF_YOU_WANT_TO_GET_ALL_YOUR_FILES_BACK_PLEASE_READ_THIS.HTML

Note locations:

EveryFolder

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Pony ransomware:

  • pony(3).exe
  • pony.exe
  • pony (2).exe
  • 6.exe
  • 05ntoar0.exe
  • Chrome.pif

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About This Analysis

This Pony 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 Pony.

Last updated: July 30, 2025