Ransomware Research
SAD Ransomware
SAD is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on November 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- SAD
- First Seen
- November 1, 2017
How SAD Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
SAD modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
./\.[0-9A-F]{64}$/
Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, SAD displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
_HELPME_DECRYPT_.txt
Ransom message:
notes/_HELPME_DECRYPT_.txt
Note locations:
Desktop
_HELPME_DECRYPT_.hta
Ransom message:
notes/_HELPME_DECRYPT_.hta
Note locations:
Desktop
_HELPME_DECRYPT_.html
Ransom message:
notes/_HELPME_DECRYPT_.html
Note locations:
Desktop
Ransom message:
notes/_HELPME_DECRYPT_.png
Note locations:
Desktop
Technical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with SAD ransomware:
tGVkDTIb.exe
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About This Analysis
This SAD 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 SAD.
Last updated: July 30, 2025