Ransomware Research

XRed Ransomware

XRed is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on May 1, 2026, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
XRed
First Seen
May 1, 2026

How XRed ransomware works

File modification behavior

XRed updates file modification timestamps after encryption.

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
  • .xred

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileRESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt
notes/RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt

Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with XRed ransomware:

  • xlacv.exe
  • xredharbici.exe

About this analysis

This XRed 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 XRed.

Last updated: October 27, 2026

Detection coverage

Elastio detects XRed inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify XRed 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.