Ransomware Research

Styx Ransomware

Styx 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

Ransomware Family
Styx
First Seen
November 1, 2017

How Styx ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.styx

Ransom note and payment demands

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

file/^[0-9]{1}_HELP_DECRYPT_FILES([0-9]{1})?\.txt$/
notes/0_HELP_DECRYPT_FILES2.txt
Location: UserFolders, StartUp
file/^[0-9]{1}_HELP_DECRYPT_FILES([0-9]{1})?\.html$/
notes/0_HELP_DECRYPT_FILES.html
Location: UserFolders, StartUp

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Styx ransomware:

About this analysis

This Styx 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 Styx.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Styx inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Styx 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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What is Styx Ransomware? | Elastio