Ransomware Research

WhatAFuck Ransomware

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

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
WhatAFuck
First Seen
May 1, 2017

How WhatAFuck Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

NOSAMPLE

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

.+++ helppppppp@meta.ua

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileWHATAFUCK.txt

Ransom message:

notes/WHATAFUCK.txt

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About This Analysis

This WhatAFuck 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 WhatAFuck.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

WhatAFuck Ransomware - Detectable by Elastio