Ransomware Research
Proton Ransomware
Proton is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2023, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Proton
- First Seen
- March 1, 2023
How Proton Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
Full extension -> .[Kigatsu@tutanota.com][83E31018].kigatsu Encrypts some blocks of the files
File Encryption Patterns
Proton modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..kigatsu
..Proton
Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Proton displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
README.txt
Ransom message:
notes/README.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolder
/^#[A-F0-9]{16}\.txt\b/
Ransom message:
notes/#31F0982406032BE3.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolder
Technical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Proton ransomware:
svchost.exe
AFC9674D2DFD9813.exe
x86.exe
Elastio Can Help You
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About This Analysis
This Proton 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 Proton.
Last updated: July 30, 2025