Ransomware Research

Deadly Ransomware

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

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Deadly
First Seen
October 1, 2016
Known Aliases
Deadly for a Good Purpose

How Deadly ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.a858

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileransom.html
Location: Desktop
fileransome.html
notes/ransome.html
Location: Desktop

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Deadly ransomware:

About this analysis

This Deadly 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 Deadly.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Deadly inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Deadly 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.

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What is Deadly Ransomware? | Elastio