Ransomware Research

Waldo Ransomware

Waldo is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Waldo
First Seen
March 1, 2020

How Waldo Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

SAME FILENAMES Encrypted contents in hex-text

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

After encrypting files, Waldo 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 Waldo ransomware:

  • update
  • update.exe

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About This Analysis

This Waldo 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 Waldo.

Last updated: July 30, 2025