Ransomware Research

Evil Ransomware

Evil is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on January 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: File0Locked KZ.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Evil
First Seen
January 1, 2017
Known Aliases
File0Locked KZ

How Evil Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

Written in JS Uses external util (AESCrypt) to encrypt files https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/1817853fdaf2d35988ca22a6db2c939e0f56664576593d325cfd67d24e8fb75c?environmentId=100

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..file0locked

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileHOW_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.TXT

Ransom message:

notes/HOW_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.TXT
fileHOW_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.HTML

Ransom message:

notes/HOW_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.HTML

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Evil ransomware:

  • file0locked.js
  • 5.js
  • 002.ex
  • 314.exe_1483962642.dmp

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About This Analysis

This Evil 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 Evil.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

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