Ransomware Research

Snatch Ransomware

Snatch is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on April 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Snatch
First Seen
April 1, 2018

How Snatch ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.snatch.abcde.FileSlack.jupstb.cekisan.icp.jimm.FKVGM.yqbdpevbz./\.[a-z0-9]{5,12}$/.hceem.cbs0z.ohwqg.wvtr0.egmwv.tl30z.gdjlosvtnib.wbqczq.xbvpnvee

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileReadme_Restore_Files.txt
notes/Readme_Restore_Files.txt
Location: EveryFolder
file/^Restore_[A-Z0-9]{4,10}_Files\.txt$/
notes/Restore_ICPICP_Files.txt
file/^RESTORE_[A-Z0-9]{4,10}_DATA\.txt$/
notes/RESTORE_HCEEM_DATA.txt
Location: EveryFolder
file/^DECRYPT_[A-Z0-9]{4,10}_FILES\.txt$/
notes/DECRYPT_OHWQG_FILES.txt
file/^RESTORE_[A-Z0-9]{4,10}_FILES\.txt$/
fileHOW TO RESTORE YOUR FILES.TXT
notes/HOW TO RESTORE YOUR FILES.TXT
Location: EveryFolder
file/^README_[A-Z0-9]{4,10}_FILES\.txt$/
notes/README_HRDHS_FILES.txt

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Snatch ransomware:

About this analysis

This Snatch 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 Snatch.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Snatch inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Snatch 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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