Ransomware Research

Wanacry Ransomware

Wanacry is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on October 1, 2021, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Wanacry
First Seen
October 1, 2021

How Wanacry Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..wanacry

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileHELP_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt

Ransom message:

notes/HELP_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Wanacry ransomware:

  • Host Process for Windows Services.exe
  • software.exe

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About This Analysis

This Wanacry 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 Wanacry.

Last updated: September 30, 2025