Ransomware Research

Root4 Ransomware

Root4 is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on October 1, 2024, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Root4
First Seen
October 1, 2024

How Root4 ransomware works

File encryption patterns

Root4 modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

Extensions added after encryption
.root4

Ransom note and payment demands

After encrypting files, Root4 displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

fileHow_to_back_files.html
notes/How_to_back_files.html
Location: Desktop, RootDiscs

About this analysis

This Root4 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 Root4.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Root4 inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Root4 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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What is Root4 Ransomware? | Elastio