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:

fileHOW TO DECRYPT FILES.hta

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileHOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt

Ransom message:

notes/HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder

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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