Ransomware Research

XData Ransomware

XData 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
XData
First Seen
May 1, 2017

How XData Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/f/239/ransomware-help-tech-support

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..~xdata~

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileHOW_CAN_I_DECRYPT_MY_FILES.txt

Ransom message:

notes/HOW_CAN_I_DECRYPT_MY_FILES.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with XData ransomware:

  • Trojan.Ransom.XData
  • msaddc.exe
  • mssecsvc.exe
  • mssql.exe
  • msdns.exe
  • mssec.exe
  • mscomrpc.exe
  • mscom.exe
  • xData.exe
  • XData Ransomware.exe
  • msdcom.exe
  • Xdata.exe
  • Trojan.Ransom.XData.exe
  • mssql.$$$
  • Win32.Trojan-Ransom.XData.A.exe
  • mssql.exx
  • mssql.exe.bak
  • msdcom_xdata.exe
  • XData.exe
  • XData ransomware
  • XData ransomware is attacking Ukraine
  • msdns.exe_

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About This Analysis

This XData 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 XData.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

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