Ransomware Research

Vanguard Ransomware

Vanguard is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Vanguard
First Seen
February 1, 2017

How Vanguard Ransomware Works

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileDECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS.txt

Ransom message:

notes/DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS.txt

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Vanguard ransomware:

  • MSOFFICE
  • app02.exe
  • 1.exe
  • RANSOMWARE
  • msword.exe
  • ransom.exe-
  • ransomware_golang (2)
  • vanguard.exe
  • ransom.exe
  • ransom2.exe-
  • ransom2.exe
  • ransomware_golang
  • vanguard ransomware
  • ransom3.exe-
  • ransom3.exe
  • vanguard ransomware.exe
  • ransomware_golang (3)

Elastio Can Help You

Don't let Vanguard 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 Vanguard 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 Vanguard.

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Recent Ransomware

Explore other threats in our database

View all ransomware