Ransomware Research

Troldesh Ransomware

Troldesh is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on September 1, 2015, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Shade.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Troldesh
First Seen
September 1, 2015
Known Aliases
Shade

How Troldesh ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.xbtl.xtbl.cbtl.no_more_ransom.better_call_saul.windows10.dexter.crypted000007.da_vinci_code.breaking_bad.heisenberg.magic_software_syndicate.crypted000078

Ransom note and payment demands

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

file/^README\d{1,2}\.txt$/
notes/README10.txt
Location: Desktop, RootDiscs
fileHow to decrypt your files.txt
notes/How to decrypt your files.txt
Location: Desktop, StartUp
screenshot
notes/How to decrypt your files.jpg
Location: Desktop
screenshot
notes/How to decrypt your files1.jpg
Location: Desktop
screenshot
notes/How to decrypt your files2.jpg
Location: Desktop
screenshot
notes/How to decrypt your files3.jpg
Location: Desktop
screenshot
notes/How to decrypt your files4.jpg
Location: Desktop
screenshot
notes/FBD1B9FDFBD1B9FD.bmp
Location: Desktop
screenshot
notes/wp.jpg
Location: Desktop
screenshot
notes/HOW TO DECRYPT DATA.jpg
Location: Desktop
screenshot
notes/DECRYPT.jpg
Location: Desktop
fileDECPYPT FILES.txt
notes/DECPYPT FILES.txt
Location: Desktop
fileHOW TO DECRYPT DATA.txt
notes/HOW TO DECRYPT DATA.txt
Location: Desktop, StartUp
fileDecryption instructions.txt
notes/Decryption instructions.txt
Location: Desktop, StartUp

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Troldesh ransomware:

About this analysis

This Troldesh 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 Troldesh.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Troldesh inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Troldesh 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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