Ransomware Research

Extractor Ransomware

Extractor is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on April 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Extractor
First Seen
April 1, 2017

How Extractor ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.xxx

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileReadMe_XXX.txt
notes/ReadMe_XXX.txt
Location: RootDiscs

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Extractor ransomware:

About this analysis

This Extractor 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 Extractor.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Extractor inside your data and backups.

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