Ransomware Research

Zeoticus Ransomware

Zeoticus is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on December 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Zeoticus 2.0.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Zeoticus
First Seen
December 1, 2019
Known Aliases
Zeoticus 2.0

How Zeoticus ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.zeoticus.young.2020END.pandora

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileREAD_ME.html
notes/READ_ME.html
Location: EveryFolder
fileREADME.html
notes/README.html
Location: RootDiscs

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Zeoticus ransomware:

About this analysis

This Zeoticus 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 Zeoticus.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Zeoticus inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Zeoticus 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.

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What is Zeoticus Ransomware? | Elastio