X3M Ransomware
X3M 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.
Quick facts
How X3M ransomware works
File encryption patterns
X3M modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, X3M displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/### HOW TO DECRYPT FILES ###.html
notes/DECRYPT MY FILE.txt
notes/!!! DECRYPT MY FILES !!!.txt
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with X3M ransomware:
- x3m.bin
- svchost.exe
- Ran.x3m.exe
About this analysis
This X3M 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 X3M.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects X3M inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify X3M 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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