Ransomware Research
CTB-Locker Ransomware
CTB-Locker is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on May 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- CTB-Locker
- First Seen
- May 1, 2016
How CTB-Locker Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
CTB-Locker modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
./\.[a-z]{7}$/Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, CTB-Locker displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
Ransom message:
notes/!Decrypt-All-Files-laxnecg.png
Note locations:
Desktop/^!Decrypt-All-Files-[a-z]{7}\.txt$/Ransom message:
notes/!Decrypt-All-Files-laxnecg.txt
Note locations:
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About This Analysis
This CTB-Locker 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 CTB-Locker.
Last updated: July 30, 2025