Ransomware Research
Alco Ransomware
Alco is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on September 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Maoloa-Alco, X_Mister, 4444, 666, 865.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Alco
- First Seen
- September 1, 2018
- Known Aliases
- Maoloa-AlcoX_Mister4444666865
How Alco Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
Alco modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..Alco4444
..Ox4444
..Mr-X666
..Tiger4444
..Pig4444
..Horse4444
..TROLL
..Ares666
..Persephone666
..haka
..Rabbit4444
..Hades666
..Hermes666
..Apollon865
..Ares865
..Artemis865-20
..Artemis865
..Athena865
..Rooster865qq
..Rooster865
..Rooster865qqZ
..Monkey865qqZ
..Monkey865
..Encrypted
Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Alco displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
HOW TO BACK YOUR FILES.txt
Ransom message:
notes/HOW TO BACK YOUR FILES.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolder
HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.txt
Ransom message:
notes/HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolder
HOW TO BACK YOUR FILES.exe
Note locations:
EveryFolder
Technical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Alco ransomware:
GlobeImposter.exe
test_v.doc
svhost.exe
Tiger4444.exe
Persephone666.exe
Rabbit4444.exe
Hades666.exe
Athena865.exe
WINLOGON_PROTECTED.EXE
winlogon.exe
Hakbdyww7.exe
cia.exe
bfsv.exe
Data Recovery.bin
Apollon865.exe
winlogon_protected.exe
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About This Analysis
This Alco 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 Alco.
Last updated: July 30, 2025