Ransomware Research

Sapphire Ransomware

Sapphire 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

Ransomware Family
Sapphire
First Seen
September 1, 2019

How Sapphire ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.sapphire.fbi

Ransom note and payment demands

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

file/^readme(-[1-4])?\.txt$/
notes/readme-4.txt
filedecryptfiles.html
notes/decryptfiles.html
fileLOCKEDBYFBI.hta
notes/LOCKEDBYFBI.hta
message
notes/note.txt
Location: Login

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Sapphire ransomware:

About this analysis

This Sapphire 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 Sapphire.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Sapphire inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Sapphire 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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