Ransomware Research

XeroWare Ransomware

XeroWare is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on July 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: XeroWare Ransom 1.2.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
XeroWare
First Seen
July 1, 2018
Known Aliases
XeroWare Ransom 1.2

How XeroWare ransomware works

File encryption patterns

XeroWare modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

Extensions added after encryption
.XERO

Ransom note and payment demands

After encrypting files, XeroWare displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

fileXeroWare_ReadME.txt
notes/XeroWare_ReadME.txt
Location: Desktop

About this analysis

This XeroWare 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 XeroWare.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects XeroWare inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify XeroWare 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.

See How the Hunt Engine WorksRequest a Demo

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