Ransomware Research

Beast Ransomware

Beast is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on April 1, 2024, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Beast
First Seen
April 1, 2024

How Beast ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.BEAST

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileREADME.TXT
notes/README.TXT
Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Beast ransomware:

About this analysis

This Beast 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 Beast.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Beast inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Beast 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.

See How the Hunt Engine WorksRequest a Demo

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What is Beast Ransomware? | Elastio