WannaSmile Ransomware
WannaSmile 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
How WannaSmile ransomware works
File encryption patterns
WannaSmile modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, WannaSmile displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/How to decrypt files.html
notes/note.txt
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with WannaSmile ransomware:
- WannaSmile.exe
- Trojan.Ransom.WannaSmile.exe
- client.exe
- Local Security Authority.exe
- manager.exe
About this analysis
This WannaSmile 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 WannaSmile.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects WannaSmile inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify WannaSmile 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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