Ransomware Research

DarkLulz Ransomware

DarkLulz is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on June 1, 2025, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
DarkLulz
First Seen
June 1, 2025

How DarkLulz Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..DarkLulz

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

file/README_\d{1,2}\.txt/

Ransom message:

notes/README_1.txt

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with DarkLulz ransomware:

  • rtestandroid.exe

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About This Analysis

This DarkLulz 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 DarkLulz.

Last updated: September 30, 2025