Maze Ransomware
Maze is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on May 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: MazeLocker, ChaCha, ChaChaLocker, Maze Locker.
Quick facts
How Maze ransomware works
File encryption patterns
Maze modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Maze displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/DECRYPT-FILES.html
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with Maze ransomware:
- Maze.exe
- test.exe
- 1473359.exe
- ESET32.EXE
- file.exe
- wordupd.exe
- eset.exe
- receipt-package-CA347425228.doc
About this analysis
This Maze 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 Maze.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects Maze inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Maze 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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