Vanguard Ransomware
Vanguard is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick facts
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Vanguard displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS.txt
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with Vanguard ransomware:
- MSOFFICE
- app02.exe
- 1.exe
- RANSOMWARE
- msword.exe
- ransom.exe-
- ransomware_golang (2)
- vanguard.exe
- ransom.exe
- ransom2.exe-
- ransom2.exe
- ransomware_golang
- vanguard ransomware
- ransom3.exe-
- ransom3.exe
- vanguard ransomware.exe
- ransomware_golang (3)
About this analysis
This Vanguard 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 Vanguard.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects Vanguard inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Vanguard 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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