Ransomware Research

Protected Ransomware

Protected is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on November 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Protected
First Seen
November 1, 2016

How Protected Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

Protected with Confuser Requires C&C

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..protected

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileHOW_TO_RESTORE_YOUR_DATA.html

Ransom message:

notes/HOW_TO_RESTORE_YOUR_DATA.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Protected ransomware:

  • TraxxioSetup.exe
  • loadit.exe

Elastio Can Help You

Don't let Protected ransomware take over your data

Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions to keep your organization safe.

Learn MoreRequest a Demo

About This Analysis

This Protected 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 Protected.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

Recent Ransomware

Explore other threats in our database

View all ransomware