Moth Ransomware
Moth is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on July 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick facts
How Moth ransomware works
File encryption patterns
Moth modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Moth displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/READMEPLEASE.TXT
About this analysis
This Moth 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 Moth.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects Moth inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Moth 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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