Ransomware Research

Skunk Ransomware

Skunk is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2025, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Skunk
First Seen
March 1, 2025

How Skunk Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..SKUNK

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileREAD_THIS.TXT

Ransom message:

notes/READ_THIS.TXT

Note locations:

Desktop
screenshot

Ransom message:

notes/Skunk.png

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Skunk ransomware:

  • windowsstartupagent.exe
  • Installer.exe
  • WindowsStartupAgent.exe

Elastio Can Help You

Don't let Skunk ransomware take over your data

Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions to keep your organization safe.

Learn MoreRequest a Demo

About This Analysis

This Skunk 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 Skunk.

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Recent Ransomware

Explore other threats in our database

View all ransomware