Ransomware Research

Maoloa Ransomware

Maoloa is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on September 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Unnamed RDP-Reset.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Maoloa
First Seen
September 1, 2018
Known Aliases
Unnamed RDP-Reset

How Maoloa ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.maoloa.Ox4444.brydreed.Alco4444.Mr-X666.Tiger4444.tabufa.systems32x.Pig4444.[epta.mcold@gmail.com].middleman2020.pig4444.Horse4444.shelbyboom.diller13.Rabbit4444.decrypt019.system32x.Encrypted.charlie.j0hnson

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileHOW BACK YOUR FILES.txt
notes/HOW BACK YOUR FILES.txt
fileHOW TO BACK YOUR FILES.txt
notes/HOW TO BACK YOUR FILES.txt
Location: EveryFolder
filehow_to_back_files.html
file!INSTRUCTI0NS!.TXT
notes/!INSTRUCTI0NS!.TXT
fileHOW_TO_BACK_FILES.txt
notes/HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.txt
Location: EveryFolder
fileHOW TO RETURN YOU FILES.exe
Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Maoloa ransomware:

About this analysis

This Maoloa 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 Maoloa.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Maoloa inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Maoloa 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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