Ransomware Research

Chimera Ransomware

Chimera is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on September 1, 2015, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Chimera
First Seen
September 1, 2015

How Chimera ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.crypt./\.[a-zA-Z]{4}\b/

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileYOUR_FILES_ARE_ENCRYPTED.HTML
notes/YOUR_FILES_ARE_ENCRYPTED.HTML
Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Chimera ransomware:

About this analysis

This Chimera 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 Chimera.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Chimera inside your data and backups.

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