WannaCry Ransomware
WannaCry is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: WannaCryptor.
Quick facts
How WannaCry ransomware works
File encryption patterns
WannaCry modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, WannaCry displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/!Please Read Me!.txt
notes/1.png
notes/note.txt
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with WannaCry ransomware:
- !WannaDecryptor!.exe
- u.wry
- Message.EXE
- file450_!wannadecryptor!.exe
- wannacry.exe
- 447033.exe
About this analysis
This WannaCry 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 WannaCry.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects WannaCry inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify WannaCry 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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