Windows_Security Ransomware
Windows_Security is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on October 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: WS Go.
Quick facts
How Windows_Security ransomware works
File encryption patterns
Windows_Security modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Windows_Security displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/Instructions.html
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with Windows_Security ransomware:
- attrib
- ATTRIB.EXE
- Windows_Security.exe_
- Priv.exe
- 111.exe
- privescalation_original.exe
About this analysis
This Windows_Security 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 Windows_Security.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects Windows_Security inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Windows_Security 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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