Ransomware Research

PaySafeGen Ransomware

PaySafeGen is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on November 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: PaySafeGen (German).

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
PaySafeGen
First Seen
November 1, 2016
Known Aliases
PaySafeGen (German)

How PaySafeGen ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.cry_

Ransom note and payment demands

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

message
notes/note.txt

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with PaySafeGen ransomware:

About this analysis

This PaySafeGen 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 PaySafeGen.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects PaySafeGen inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify PaySafeGen 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 →