Ransomware Research

CryptXXX Ransomware

CryptXXX is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on April 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: CryptXXX 2.0.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
CryptXXX
First Seen
April 1, 2016
Known Aliases
CryptXXX 2.0

How CryptXXX ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.crypt.crypz.cryp1

Ransom note and payment demands

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

file!README.HTML
notes/!README.HTML
Location: EveryFolder
filede_crypt_readme.txt
notes/de_crypt_readme.txt
Location: EveryFolder
filedecrypt-instructions.txt
notes/decrypt-instructions.txt
Location: EveryFolder
filedecrypt-instructions.html
notes/decrypt-instructions.html
Location: EveryFolder
filedecrypt-instructions.bmp
notes/decrypt-instructions.bmp
Location: EveryFolder
file/^@[A-F0-9]{12}\.html$/
notes/@52CE675AD85E.html
Location: EveryFolder
file/^@[A-F0-9]{12}\.txt$/
notes/@52CE675AD85E.txt
Location: EveryFolder
file/^![A-F0-9]{12}\.html$/
notes/!4B3A1BD0EC11.html
Location: EveryFolder
file/^![A-F0-9]{12}\.txt$/
notes/!4B3A1BD0EC11.txt
Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with CryptXXX ransomware:

About this analysis

This CryptXXX 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 CryptXXX.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects CryptXXX inside your data and backups.

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