Ransomware Research

Ironcat Ransomware

Ironcat is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on September 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Ironcat
First Seen
September 1, 2020

How Ironcat ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.encrypted

Ransom note and payment demands

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

filepay_the_piper.txt
notes/pay_the_piper.txt
Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Ironcat ransomware:

About this analysis

This Ironcat 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 Ironcat.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Ironcat inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Ironcat 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

Recent ransomware

Explore other threats in our database

Wxlongda2025VeilCrypt2025TitanLabooboo2025SolidBit2022SnapHackLocker2024PySystemUpdate2025PySimCrypt2025Monkey2025Lol2025HWID2025
View all ransomware →