fileCLEARWATER_README.txt
notes/CLEARWATER_README.txt
Location: RootDiscs, UserFolders, ProgramData, Roaming
Ransomware Research
ClearWater Ransomware
ClearWater is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2026, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick facts
- Ransomware Family
- ClearWater
- First Seen
- March 1, 2026
How ClearWater ransomware works
File modification behavior
ClearWater updates file modification timestamps after encryption.
File encryption patterns
ClearWater modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Extensions added after encryption
- .clear
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, ClearWater displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
screenshot
notes/README.png
Location: Desktop
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with ClearWater ransomware:
- 00202340108c101d59bbfb3daa4bbd6b4436c167e3c9734c07bfbdcb1402f746.exe', '00202340108c101d59bbfb3daa4bbd6b4436c167e3c9734c07bfbdcb1402f746 (1).exe', '00202340108c101d59bbfb3daa4bbd6b4436c167e3c9734c07bfbdcb1402f746 (2).exe', '7ZSfxMod', '7ZSfxMod_x64.exe', '00202340108c101d59bbfb3daa4bbd6b4436c167e3c9734c07bfbdcb1402f746.exe.bin', '__00202340108c101d59bbfb3daa4bbd6b4436c167e3c9734c07bfbdcb1402f746.exe.bin', 'zeksmi_x64.exe', '0e23d66b-d075-445a-bc56-e0d05a633724', '_00202340108c101d59bbfb3daa4bbd6b4436c167e3c9734c07bfbdcb1402f746.exe', 'wh64lw.exe', '1.exe', 'zeksmi_x64.bin']
About this analysis
This ClearWater 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 ClearWater.
Detection coverage
Elastio detects ClearWater inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify ClearWater 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.