Ransomware Research

Venus Ransomware

Venus is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on May 1, 2021, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Gooodgamer, Goodgame.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Venus
First Seen
May 1, 2021
Known Aliases
GooodgamerGoodgame

How Venus Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

Venus modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

File extensions added after encryption:

..venus..anigma..Ywkfistef..goodgame

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileREADME.txt

Ransom message:

notes/README.txt

Note locations:

RootDiscs

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Venus ransomware:

  • program.exe
  • software.exe
  • file.exe
  • bild.exe

Elastio Can Help You

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About This Analysis

This Venus 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 Venus.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

Venus Ransomware - Detectable by Elastio