fileREAD_ME_PAWS.txt
notes/READ_ME_PAWS.txt
Location: Desktop
Ransomware Research
Paws Ransomware
Paws is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on June 1, 2025, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick facts
- Ransomware Family
- Paws
- First Seen
- June 1, 2025
How Paws ransomware works
File modification behavior
Paws updates file modification timestamps after encryption.
File encryption patterns
Paws modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Extensions added after encryption
- .paws
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Paws displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with Paws ransomware:
- PawsLocker.exe
- PawsLocker Sample.exe
About this analysis
This Paws 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 Paws.
Detection coverage
Elastio detects Paws inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Paws 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.