Skull HT Ransomware
Skull HT is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on November 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick facts
How Skull HT ransomware works
File encryption patterns
Skull HT modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Skull HT displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/READ_ME.txt
notes/YJLX9JJ.png
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with Skull HT ransomware:
- hidden-tear.exe
- The Art of Amazon Carding.pdf.exe
- The Art of Amazon Carding.exe
About this analysis
This Skull HT 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 Skull HT.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects Skull HT inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Skull HT 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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