filereadme.txt
notes/readme.txt
Location: EveryFolder
Ransomware Research
Witch Ransomware
Witch is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2026, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick facts
- Ransomware Family
- Witch
- First Seen
- February 1, 2026
How Witch ransomware works
File modification behavior
Witch updates file modification timestamps after encryption.
File encryption patterns
Witch modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Extensions added after encryption
- .witch
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Witch displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with Witch ransomware:
- v4.exe
About this analysis
This Witch 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 Witch.
Detection coverage
Elastio detects Witch inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Witch across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a hunt against your recovery points to confirm.