Ransomware Research

ZekwaCrypt Ransomware

ZekwaCrypt is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on June 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
ZekwaCrypt
First Seen
June 1, 2016

How ZekwaCrypt Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

NOSAMPLE

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

./\.[a-z]{7}\b/

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileencrypted_readme.txt

Ransom message:

notes/encrypted_readme.txt

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About This Analysis

This ZekwaCrypt 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 ZekwaCrypt.

Last updated: July 30, 2025