Ransomware Research
Snake-Ekans Ransomware
Snake-Ekans is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on December 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Snake-Ekans
- First Seen
- December 1, 2019
How Snake-Ekans Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
One sample doesn't change encrypted filenames Another sample adds random 5 chars (without dot) to extension Adds "EKANS" marker to the end of encrypted file e5262db186c97bbe533f0a674b08ecdafa3798ea7bc17c705df526419c168b60 -> successful encryption 057026ba4e1aa40f708688ad2fbb32ddb069cf3a1e277e92c5b14a275b7a5ae4 -> successful encryption
File Encryption Patterns
Snake-Ekans modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
./[a-zA-z0-9]{5}$/./[a-zA-z0-9]{8}$/Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Snake-Ekans displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
Fix-Your-Files.txtRansom message:
notes/Fix-Your-Files.txt
Note locations:
DesktopRootDirectoryDecrypt-Your-Files.txtRansom message:
notes/Decrypt-Your-Files.txt
Note locations:
DesktopRootDirectoryTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Snake-Ekans ransomware:
update.bin4YEvhu3rEEGCvmLSE.exebdxp8MyapfGlxZy.exeefxbmTFZE1HPyUMwnZY.exeupdate.exenmon.exeEKANS.exegstart.exe
Elastio Can Help You
Don't let Snake-Ekans ransomware take over your data
Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions to keep your organization safe.
About This Analysis
This Snake-Ekans 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 Snake-Ekans.
Last updated: July 30, 2025