Ransomware Research

Evolution Ransomware

Evolution is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on December 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Evolution
First Seen
December 1, 2018

How Evolution ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.evolution

Ransom note and payment demands

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

file!#_Read_me_for_revocery_#!.txt
notes/!#_Read_me_for_revocery_#!.txt
Location: EveryFolder

About this analysis

This Evolution 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 Evolution.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Evolution inside your data and backups.

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