file/^[A-Z]{8}-README\.txt/
notes/MMLXOGZQ-README.txt
Location: LocalApplicationData
Ransomware Research
Project23 Ransomware
Project23 is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick facts
- Ransomware Family
- Project23
- First Seen
- March 1, 2020
How Project23 ransomware works
File modification behavior
Project23 updates file modification timestamps after encryption.
File encryption patterns
Project23 modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Extensions added after encryption
- ./\.[a-z]{8}$/
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Project23 displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with Project23 ransomware:
- CJKPVXJHST.exe
About this analysis
This Project23 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 Project23.
Detection coverage
Elastio detects Project23 inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Project23 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.