Ransomware Research

Crying Ransomware

Crying is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on May 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Crying
First Seen
May 1, 2017

How Crying ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.crying

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileREAD_IT.txt
notes/READ_IT.txt
Location: Desktop

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Crying ransomware:

About this analysis

This Crying 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 Crying.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Crying inside your data and backups.

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