Ransomware Research

CryptoLocker Ransomware

CryptoLocker is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on April 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
CryptoLocker
First Seen
April 1, 2016

How CryptoLocker Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..locked

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

message

Ransom message:

notes/note.txt

Note locations:

OnceOnCompletion

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with CryptoLocker ransomware:

  • AdobeAcrobatDocument.exe
  • encriptador.exe

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About This Analysis

This CryptoLocker 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 CryptoLocker.

Last updated: July 30, 2025