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:

fileHOW TO BACK YOUR FILES.txt

Ransom message:

notes/HOW TO BACK YOUR FILES.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileHOW_TO_BACK_FILES.txt

Ransom message:

notes/HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileHOW 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

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