Ransomware Research

Khonsari Ransomware

Khonsari is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on December 1, 2021, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Log4Shell Ransomware.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Khonsari
First Seen
December 1, 2021
Known Aliases
Log4Shell Ransomware

How Khonsari ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.khonsari

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileHOW TO GET YOUR FILES BACK.TXT
notes/HOW TO GET YOUR FILES BACK.TXT
Location: Desktop

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Khonsari ransomware:

About this analysis

This Khonsari 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 Khonsari.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Khonsari inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Khonsari 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 →