Ransomware Research

GAmmA Ransomware

GAmmA is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on May 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Cat22, GAmmAWare.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
GAmmA
First Seen
May 1, 2020
Known Aliases
Cat22GAmmAWare

How GAmmA ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.DEMON

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileREADME.txt
notes/README.txt
Location: EveryFolder
message
notes/note.txt
Location: OnceOnCompletion

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with GAmmA ransomware:

About this analysis

This GAmmA 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 GAmmA.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects GAmmA inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify GAmmA 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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