Kraken Cryptor Ransomware
Kraken Cryptor is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on August 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: KrakenCryptor.
Quick facts
How Kraken Cryptor ransomware works
File encryption patterns
Kraken Cryptor modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Kraken Cryptor displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/# How to Decrypt Files.txt
notes/# How to Decrypt Files.html
notes/# How to Decrypt Files-ICDZ4.html
notes/Instructions-PTFON.html
notes/wallpaper.png
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with Kraken Cryptor ransomware:
- Kraken.exe
- kraken.exe
- KrakenCryptor.exe
- auService.exe
- krakenc.exe
- file.exe
- myfile.exe
- SUPERAntiSpywares.exe
- Main.exe
- Yandex.exe
- UAC.exe
- partmgr.sys
- Kraken.bin
- 2018-10-04_19-37-40.bin
- 2018-10-04_19-37-40.exe
About this analysis
This Kraken Cryptor 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 Kraken Cryptor.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects Kraken Cryptor inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Kraken Cryptor 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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