Ransomware Research
Skull Ransomware
Skull is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on September 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Skull
- First Seen
- September 1, 2017
How Skull Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
NOSAMPLE https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/656185/skull-ransomware-random-6-character-ext-support-topic/
File Encryption Patterns
Skull modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
./\.[A-Za-z0-9]{6}$/Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Skull displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
How_To_Decrypt_Your_Files.htmlRansom message:
notes/How_To_Decrypt_Your_Files.html.txt
Elastio Can Help You
Don't let Skull ransomware take over your data
Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions to keep your organization safe.
About This Analysis
This Skull 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 Skull.
Last updated: July 30, 2025