Ransomware Research
AESMew Ransomware
AESMew is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on September 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: AESMewLocker.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- AESMew
- First Seen
- September 1, 2020
- Known Aliases
- AESMewLocker
How AESMew Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
NOSAMPLE
File Encryption Patterns
AESMew modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..lockedRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, AESMew displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
READ_IT.txtRansom message:
notes/READ_IT.txt
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About This Analysis
This AESMew ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like AESMew.
Last updated: July 30, 2025