PhoneNumber Ransomware
PhoneNumber is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on September 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick facts
How PhoneNumber ransomware works
File encryption patterns
PhoneNumber modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, PhoneNumber displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/!_SDCCD_README_!.txt
About this analysis
This PhoneNumber 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 PhoneNumber.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects PhoneNumber inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify PhoneNumber 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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