Ransomware Research

Balaclava Ransomware

Balaclava is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: DavesSmith, JerryGlanville, KEY0004, Michael, Coryell, PuckettJeffrey.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Balaclava
First Seen
February 1, 2020
Known Aliases
DavesSmithJerryGlanvilleKEY0004MichaelCoryellPuckettJeffrey

How Balaclava Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

Encrypts first 2Mb

File Encryption Patterns

Balaclava modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

File extensions added after encryption:

..jerry_glanville_data@aol.com..KEY0004..michael..coryell..puckett_jeffrey..daves.smith@aol.com

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileRECOVERY FILE.txt

Ransom message:

notes/RECOVERY FILE.txt
fileHOW_TO_RECOVERY_FILES.txt

Ransom message:

notes/HOW_TO_RECOVERY_FILES.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Balaclava ransomware:

  • OUT_CLEANED+TSTDEL.EXE
  • Lock.exe1
  • C620F33063425F3.exe
  • puckett_jeffrey.exe
  • Lock.exe

Elastio Can Help You

Don't let Balaclava ransomware take over your data

Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions to keep your organization safe.

About This Analysis

This Balaclava 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 Balaclava.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

Balaclava Ransomware - Detectable by Elastio