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..SVC130

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileAko-ReadMe.txt

Ransom message:

notes/Ako-ReadMe.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileako-readme.txt

Ransom message:

notes/ako-readme.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileAkoReadMe.txt

Ransom message:

notes/AkoReadMe.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileAkoReadMe.html

Ransom message:

notes/AkoReadMe.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Ako ransomware:

  • 43657_locker.exe
  • asu.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: October 30, 2025

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What is Ako Ransomware? | Elastio