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
Targeted Files
https://web.archive.org/web/20180102110159/https://www.zscaler.com/blogs/research/look-two-ransomware-strains-using-open-source-code Requires C&C to receive password for encryption
File Encryption Patterns
Vortex modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..aesRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Vortex displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
!!!-ODZYSKAJ-DANE-!!!.TXT#$# JAK-ODZYSKAC-PLIKI.txtRansom message:
notes/#$# JAK-ODZYSKAC-PLIKI.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolder!!$ O D Z Y S K A J P L I K I.txtRansom message:
notes/!!$ O D Z Y S K A J P L I K I.txt
##@@ INFO O PLIKACH.txtRansom message:
notes/##@@ INFO O PLIKACH.txt
ODZSZYFRUJ-DANE.txtRansom message:
notes/ODZSZYFRUJ-DANE.txt
Technical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Vortex ransomware:
AESxWin.exedatapolish.exesample2.exepolishPowiadomienie o przejeciu wierzytelnosci DOC.jsAsusTPCenter.exewind.exeVORTEX RANSOMWAREMenadzerDzwiekuHD2.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: July 30, 2025