Ransomware Research

AIR Ransomware

AIR is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on July 1, 2025, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
AIR
First Seen
July 1, 2025

How AIR ransomware works

File modification behavior

AIR updates file modification timestamps after encryption.

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
  • .AIR

Ransom note and payment demands

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

file+README-WARNING+.txt
notes/+README-WARNING+.txt

Location: EveryFolder

screenshot
notes/8CBB.tmp.png

Location: Desktop

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with AIR ransomware:

  • AIR_visual.exe

About this analysis

This AIR 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 AIR.

Last updated: July 9, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects AIR inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify AIR across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a hunt against your recovery points to confirm.