Ransomware Research

Spectre Ransomware

Spectre is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on June 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Spectre
First Seen
June 1, 2017

How Spectre ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.spectre

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileHowToDecryptIMPORTANT!.txt
notes/HowToDecryptIMPORTANT!.txt
Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Spectre ransomware:

About this analysis

This Spectre 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 Spectre.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Spectre inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Spectre 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

Recent ransomware

Explore other threats in our database

Wxlongda2025VeilCrypt2025TitanLabooboo2025SolidBit2022SnapHackLocker2024PySystemUpdate2025PySimCrypt2025Monkey2025Lol2025HWID2025
View all ransomware →