Ransomware Research

NightSky Ransomware

NightSky is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on January 1, 2022, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Night Sky, NightSky Doxware.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
NightSky
First Seen
January 1, 2022
Known Aliases
Night SkyNightSky Doxware

How NightSky ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.nightsky

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileNightSkyReadMe.hta
notes/NightSkyReadMe.hta
Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with NightSky ransomware:

About this analysis

This NightSky 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 NightSky.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects NightSky inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify NightSky 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

Recent ransomware

Explore other threats in our database

Wxlongda2025VeilCrypt2025TitanLabooboo2025SolidBit2022SnapHackLocker2024PySystemUpdate2025PySimCrypt2025Monkey2025Lol2025HWID2025
View all ransomware →
What is NightSky Ransomware? | Elastio