Ransomware Research

Xorist-XWZ Ransomware

Xorist-XWZ is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Xorist-XWZ
First Seen
March 1, 2018

How Xorist-XWZ ransomware works

File encryption patterns

Xorist-XWZ modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

Extensions added after encryption
.xwz

Ransom note and payment demands

After encrypting files, Xorist-XWZ displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

fileREAD ME FOR DECRYPT.txt
notes/READ ME FOR DECRYPT.txt
Location: EveryFolder
message
notes/note.txt
Location: Login

About this analysis

This Xorist-XWZ 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 Xorist-XWZ.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Xorist-XWZ inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Xorist-XWZ 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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