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:
..file0lockedRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Evil displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
HOW_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.TXTRansom message:
notes/HOW_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.TXT
HOW_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.HTMLRansom message:
notes/HOW_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.HTML
Note locations:
DesktopTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Evil ransomware:
file0locked.js5.js002.ex314.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