AES-NI: April Edition Ransomware
AES-NI: April Edition is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on April 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: AES-NI : April Edition, SPECIAL VERSION: NSA EXPLOIT EDITION.
Quick facts
How AES-NI: April Edition ransomware works
File encryption patterns
AES-NI: April Edition modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, AES-NI: April Edition displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/!!! READ THIS - IMPORTANT !!!.txt
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with AES-NI: April Edition ransomware:
- malware03
- AES-NI.exe
- virus.exe
- AES-NI.bin
- Ransom_HPSOREBRECT.SM.EXE.bin
- AES-NI.ex
- Sorebrect Ransomware.exe
- leaks.7z
About this analysis
This AES-NI: April Edition ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like AES-NI: April Edition.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects AES-NI: April Edition inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify AES-NI: April Edition across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a scan against your recovery points to confirm.
Recent ransomware
Explore other threats in our database