Hello Ransomware
Hello is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on January 1, 2021, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: WickrMe.
Quick facts
How Hello ransomware works
File encryption patterns
Hello modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Hello displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/Readme!!!.txt
notes/HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.TXT
About this analysis
This Hello 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 Hello.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects Hello inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Hello 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.
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