Ransomware Research

Wizard Ransomware

Wizard is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on September 1, 2022, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Wizard
First Seen
September 1, 2022

How Wizard Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..wizard

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

filedecrypt_instructions.txt

Ransom message:

notes/decrypt_instructions.txt

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Wizard ransomware:

  • Desktop Host.exe
  • Wizard.exe
  • 2.exe
  • Company Schedules New - Image Slideshow.bin

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About This Analysis

This Wizard 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 Wizard.

Last updated: September 30, 2025