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:

file_HELPME_DECRYPT_.txt

Ransom message:

notes/_HELPME_DECRYPT_.txt

Note locations:

Desktop
file_HELPME_DECRYPT_.hta

Ransom message:

notes/_HELPME_DECRYPT_.hta

Note locations:

Desktop
file_HELPME_DECRYPT_.html

Ransom message:

notes/_HELPME_DECRYPT_.html

Note locations:

Desktop
screenshot

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

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What is SAD Ransomware? | Elastio