Ransomware Research

Ryuk Ransomware

Ryuk is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on August 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Ryuk 2.0.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Ryuk
First Seen
August 1, 2018
Known Aliases
Ryuk 2.0

How Ryuk Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..rcrypted..RYK

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileREADME.PLEASE.txt

Ransom message:

notes/README.PLEASE.txt
fileRyukReadMe.txt

Ransom message:

notes/RyukReadMe.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileReadMe.txt

Ransom message:

notes/ReadMe.txt
fileRyukReadMe.html

Ransom message:

notes/RyukReadMe.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Ryuk ransomware:

  • ryuk.exe
  • myfile.exe
  • eqBNr.exe
  • fivjf.exe
  • file000_yguts.exe
  • hxmzl.exe
  • file000_hxmzl.exe
  • Ryuk.bin
  • zzzavxu.exe
  • tmp.exe
  • forgottenruins
  • Forg.EXE
  • TlMMhwH.exe
  • 429456.exe
  • QVA1.exe
  • R1.EXE
  • r.exe
  • v19V.exe
  • c.exe
  • LithuanianicMercy.exe
  • mal032.exe
  • MtXtS.exe
  • qKYRXvh.exe
  • StyleDlgDemo.exe
  • V1.exe
  • YwVkXop.exe
  • BwNXFKD.exe
  • mscgpho.exe
  • payload.exe
  • 15304-SAoAg.exe
  • SplashMfcDialog.EXE
  • v2.exe
  • YFYIFLj.exe
  • zFIcQUZ.exe
  • hhCMh.exe
  • TymKYtO.exe
  • HEzRYge.exe
  • V2.EXE
  • PortletReferencing
  • fx2-141_1.exe
  • eNkWieXdclan.exe
  • uNuCa.exe
  • DHrQU.exe
  • he president's Republican Party has tried to resist calls for witnesses to testif
  • US media outlets reported on Tuesday
  • sBgovWhZhlan.exe
  • CreateCheckboxImageListTest.exe
  • SehKD.exe
  • EcEEe.exe
  • vV.exe
  • System Manager.exe
  • YeSVw.exe
  • aHSIi.exe
  • AnEkc.exe
  • qKxYF.exe
  • xxx.exe
  • me.exe

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About This Analysis

This Ryuk 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 Ryuk.

Last updated: October 30, 2025

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What is Ryuk Ransomware? | Elastio