Ransomware Research
Project23 Ransomware
Project23 is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Project23
- First Seen
- March 1, 2020
How Project23 Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
Project23 modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
./\.[a-z]{8}$/Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Project23 displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
/^[A-Z]{8}-README\.txt/Ransom message:
notes/MMLXOGZQ-README.txt
Note locations:
LocalApplicationDataTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Project23 ransomware:
CJKPVXJHST.exe
Elastio Can Help You
Don't let Project23 ransomware take over your data
Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions to keep your organization safe.
About This Analysis
This Project23 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 Project23.
Last updated: July 30, 2025