Ransomware Research

H34rtBl33d Ransomware

H34rtBl33d is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: HeartBleed, D3G1D5Crypt.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
H34rtBl33d
First Seen
March 1, 2018
Known Aliases
HeartBleedD3G1D5Crypt

How H34rtBl33d ransomware works

File encryption patterns

H34rtBl33d modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

Extensions added after encryption
.H34rtBl33d

Ransom note and payment demands

After encrypting files, H34rtBl33d displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

fileH34rtBl33d.txt
notes/H34rtBl33d.txt
Location: Desktop
fileH34rtBl33d.html
notes/H34rtBl33d.html
Location: Desktop
message
notes/note.txt
Location: OnceOnCompletion
screenshot
notes/H34rtBl33d.bmp
Location: Desktop

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with H34rtBl33d ransomware:

About this analysis

This H34rtBl33d 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 H34rtBl33d.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects H34rtBl33d inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify H34rtBl33d 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 H34rtBl33d Ransomware? | Elastio