Ryuk Ransomware
Ryuk is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on August 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Ryuk 2.0.
Quick facts
How Ryuk ransomware works
File encryption patterns
Ryuk modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Ryuk displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/README.PLEASE.txt
notes/RyukReadMe.txt
notes/ReadMe.txt
notes/RyukReadMe.html
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with Ryuk ransomware:
- ryuk.exe
- myfile.exe
- eqBNr.exe
- fivjf.exe
- file000_yguts.exe
- hxmzl.exe
- file000_hxmzl.exe
- Ryuk.bin
- zzzavxu.exe
- tmp.exe
- forgottenruins
- Forg.EXE
- TlMMhwH.exe
- 429456.exe
- QVA1.exe
- R1.EXE
- r.exe
- v19V.exe
- c.exe
- LithuanianicMercy.exe
- mal032.exe
- MtXtS.exe
- qKYRXvh.exe
- StyleDlgDemo.exe
- V1.exe
- YwVkXop.exe
- BwNXFKD.exe
- mscgpho.exe
- payload.exe
- 15304-SAoAg.exe
- SplashMfcDialog.EXE
- v2.exe
- YFYIFLj.exe
- zFIcQUZ.exe
- hhCMh.exe
- TymKYtO.exe
- HEzRYge.exe
- V2.EXE
- PortletReferencing
- fx2-141_1.exe
- eNkWieXdclan.exe
- uNuCa.exe
- DHrQU.exe
- he president's Republican Party has tried to resist calls for witnesses to testif
- US media outlets reported on Tuesday
- sBgovWhZhlan.exe
- CreateCheckboxImageListTest.exe
- SehKD.exe
- EcEEe.exe
- vV.exe
- System Manager.exe
- YeSVw.exe
- aHSIi.exe
- AnEkc.exe
- qKxYF.exe
- xxx.exe
- me.exe
About this analysis
This Ryuk 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 Ryuk.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects Ryuk inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Ryuk 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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