fileHOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt
notes/HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt
Location: EveryFolder
Ransomware Research
CipherForce Ransomware
CipherForce is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2026, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick facts
- Ransomware Family
- CipherForce
- First Seen
- February 1, 2026
How CipherForce ransomware works
File modification behavior
CipherForce updates file modification timestamps after encryption.
File encryption patterns
CipherForce modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Extensions added after encryption
- .enc
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, CipherForce displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with CipherForce ransomware:
- kittykatkrew.exe
About this analysis
This CipherForce 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 CipherForce.
Detection coverage
Elastio detects CipherForce inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify CipherForce 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.