Ransomware Research

Erebus Ransomware

Erebus is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on September 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Erebus
First Seen
September 1, 2016

How Erebus ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.ecrypt

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileYOUR_FILES_HAS_BEEN_ENCRYPTED.txt
notes/YOUR_FILES_HAS_BEEN_ENCRYPTED.txt
fileYOUR_FILES_HAS_BEEN_ENCRYPTED.html

About this analysis

This Erebus 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 Erebus.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Erebus inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Erebus 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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