Desktop Ransomware
Desktop is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on October 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Ourmine.
Quick facts
How Desktop ransomware works
File encryption patterns
Desktop modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Desktop displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/note.txt
notes/wl.jpg
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with Desktop ransomware:
- Desktop Ransomware.exe
- desktop ransomware.exe
- Academics.pdf.exe
About this analysis
This Desktop 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 Desktop.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects Desktop inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Desktop 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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