Ransomware Research

CerberTear Ransomware

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

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
CerberTear
First Seen
October 1, 2016

How CerberTear ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.cerber

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileHOW_TO_RESTORE_YOUR_DATA.html
notes/HOW_TO_RESTORE_YOUR_DATA.html
Location: EveryFolder
file# DECRYPT MY FILES #.txt
notes/# DECRYPT MY FILES #.txt
Location: RansomPayloadStartFolder
file# DECRYPT MY FILES #.vbs
notes/# DECRYPT MY FILES #.vbs
Location: RansomPayloadStartFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with CerberTear ransomware:

About this analysis

This CerberTear 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 CerberTear.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects CerberTear inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify CerberTear 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 CerberTear Ransomware? | Elastio