Ransomware Research

Youhau Ransomware

Youhau is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2023, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Youhau
First Seen
March 1, 2023

How Youhau ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.youhau

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileDectryption-guide.txt
notes/Dectryption-guide.txt
Location: RootDiscs

About this analysis

This Youhau 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 Youhau.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Youhau inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Youhau 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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