Ransomware Research

SanwaiCrypt Ransomware

SanwaiCrypt is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on August 1, 2021, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
SanwaiCrypt
First Seen
August 1, 2021

How SanwaiCrypt ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.sanwai

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileIMPORTANT.txt
notes/IMPORTANT.txt
Location: EveryFolder
fileIMPORTANT.html
notes/IMPORTANT.html
Location: Temp

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with SanwaiCrypt ransomware:

About this analysis

This SanwaiCrypt 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 SanwaiCrypt.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects SanwaiCrypt inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify SanwaiCrypt 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

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What is SanwaiCrypt Ransomware? | Elastio