Ransomware Research

Wacatac Ransomware

Wacatac is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on November 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: DeathRansom.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Wacatac
First Seen
November 1, 2019
Known Aliases
DeathRansom

How Wacatac Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

Markers 66ee3840a9722d3912b73e477d1a11fd0e5468769ba17e5e71873fd519e76def -> no ext.

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..wctc..ADHUBLLKA

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileread_me.txt

Ransom message:

notes/read_me.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Wacatac ransomware:

  • SVGDGGQO.exe
  • A3D7DBGZ.exe
  • 2p1km7pr6l.exe
  • f19bmb3o0e.exe
  • XFE1HD2S.exe
  • WH5WL68J.exe
  • death.exe
  • lsass.exe
  • ransomware

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About This Analysis

This Wacatac 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 Wacatac.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

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