Ransomware Research
SOW Ransomware
SOW is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on May 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- SOW
- First Seen
- May 1, 2019
How SOW Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
SOW modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..SOW
Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, SOW displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.hta
Note locations:
EveryFolder
HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt
Ransom message:
notes/HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolder
Elastio Can Help You
Don't let SOW ransomware take over your data
Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions to keep your organization safe.
About This Analysis
This SOW 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 SOW.
Last updated: July 30, 2025