fileinfo.txt
notes/info.txt
Location: RootDiscs, Desktop
Ransomware Research
Zen Ransomware
Zen is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on May 1, 2025, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick facts
- Ransomware Family
- Zen
- First Seen
- May 1, 2025
How Zen ransomware works
File modification behavior
Zen updates file modification timestamps after encryption.
File encryption patterns
Zen modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Extensions added after encryption
- .zen
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Zen displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
fileInfo.hta
notes/Info.hta
Location: StartUp, Roaming
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with Zen ransomware:
- winhost.exe
About this analysis
This Zen 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 Zen.
Detection coverage
Elastio detects Zen inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Zen 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.