Ransomware Research

Hi Buddy! Ransomware

Hi Buddy! is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on January 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Hi Buddy!
First Seen
January 1, 2016

How Hi Buddy! ransomware works

File encryption patterns

Hi Buddy! modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

Extensions added after encryption
.cry

Ransom note and payment demands

After encrypting files, Hi Buddy! displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

message
notes/note.txt
Location: Login
fileREAD_ME.txt
notes/READ_ME.txt
Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Hi Buddy! ransomware:

About this analysis

This Hi Buddy! 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 Hi Buddy!.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Hi Buddy! inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Hi Buddy! 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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