Ransomware Research

NovaGroup Ransomware

NovaGroup is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on June 1, 2023, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
NovaGroup
First Seen
June 1, 2023

How NovaGroup ransomware works

File modification behavior

NovaGroup updates file modification timestamps after encryption.

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
  • .NOVA28428

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileFA6922315DDB8A8D06F998CCDCA539033AC.README.txt
notes/FA6922315DDB8A8D06F998CCDCA539033AC.README.txt

Location: RootDiscs

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with NovaGroup ransomware:

  • SystemMechanic121Setup.exe
  • NovaGPRanTEST.exe

About this analysis

This NovaGroup 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 NovaGroup.

Last updated: September 30, 2026

Detection coverage

Elastio detects NovaGroup inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify NovaGroup across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a hunt against your recovery points to confirm.