Ransomware Research

GPGQwerty Ransomware

GPGQwerty is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Qwerty.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
GPGQwerty
First Seen
February 1, 2018
Known Aliases
Qwerty

How GPGQwerty ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.qwerty

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileREADME_DECRYPT.txt
notes/README_DECRYPT.txt
Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with GPGQwerty ransomware:

About this analysis

This GPGQwerty 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 GPGQwerty.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects GPGQwerty inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify GPGQwerty 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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