Ransomware Research

Vortex Ransomware

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

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Vortex
First Seen
March 1, 2017

How Vortex Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..aes

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

file!!!-ODZYSKAJ-DANE-!!!.TXT
file#$# JAK-ODZYSKAC-PLIKI.txt

Ransom message:

notes/#$# JAK-ODZYSKAC-PLIKI.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file!!$ O D Z Y S K A J P L I K I.txt

Ransom message:

notes/!!$ O D Z Y S K A J   P L I K I.txt
file##@@ INFO O PLIKACH.txt

Ransom message:

notes/##@@ INFO O PLIKACH.txt
fileODZSZYFRUJ-DANE.txt

Ransom message:

notes/ODZSZYFRUJ-DANE.txt

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Vortex ransomware:

  • AESxWin.exe
  • data
  • polish.exe
  • sample2.exe
  • polish
  • Powiadomienie o przejeciu wierzytelnosci DOC.js
  • AsusTPCenter.exe
  • wind.exe
  • VORTEX RANSOMWARE
  • MenadzerDzwiekuHD2.exe

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About This Analysis

This Vortex 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 Vortex.

Last updated: October 30, 2025

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