Ransomware Research
Ako Ransomware
Ako is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on January 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Ako Doxware, MedusaReborn.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Ako
- First Seen
- January 1, 2020
- Known Aliases
- Ako DoxwareMedusaReborn
How Ako Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
Ako modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
./\.[A-Za-z0-9]{6}$/..AKO..SVC130Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Ako displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
Ako-ReadMe.txtRansom message:
notes/Ako-ReadMe.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolderako-readme.txtRansom message:
notes/ako-readme.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolderAkoReadMe.txtRansom message:
notes/AkoReadMe.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolderAkoReadMe.htmlRansom message:
notes/AkoReadMe.html
Note locations:
EveryFolderTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Ako ransomware:
43657_locker.exeasu.exe
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About This Analysis
This Ako 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 Ako.
Last updated: July 30, 2025