file/^\w{9}\.README\.txt$/
notes/qcpioJBZW.README.txt
Location: EveryFolder
Ransomware Research
KittyKatKrew Ransomware
KittyKatKrew is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2026, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick facts
- Ransomware Family
- KittyKatKrew
- First Seen
- February 1, 2026
How KittyKatKrew ransomware works
File modification behavior
KittyKatKrew updates file modification timestamps after encryption.
File encryption patterns
KittyKatKrew modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Extensions added after encryption
- ./\.\w{9}$/
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, KittyKatKrew displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
file/^\w{9}\.README\.txt$/
notes/YoLy1Jorn.README.txt
Location: EveryFolder
screenshot
notes/oJAv5z9bo.png
Location: Desktop
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with KittyKatKrew ransomware:
- kittykatkrew.exe
About this analysis
This KittyKatKrew 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 KittyKatKrew.
Detection coverage
Elastio detects KittyKatKrew inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify KittyKatKrew across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a hunt against your recovery points to confirm.