Ransomware Research
Steel Ransomware
Steel is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2021, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Steel
- First Seen
- February 1, 2021
How Steel Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
Steel modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
./\.[A-Za-z0-9]{4,5}$/Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Steel displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txtRansom message:
notes/HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txt
Note locations:
UserFoldersTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Steel ransomware:
KMSAuto Net.exe
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About This Analysis
This Steel 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 Steel.
Last updated: July 30, 2025