Ransomware Research

Snwkz Ransomware

Snwkz is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2023, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Snwkz
First Seen
February 1, 2023

How Snwkz ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.snwkz

Ransom note and payment demands

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

file/^\w+_HOW_TO_DECRYPT\.txt$/
notes/Djfk_HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Snwkz ransomware:

About this analysis

This Snwkz 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 Snwkz.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Snwkz inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Snwkz 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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