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Ransomware Research
ExoLock Ransomware
ExoLock is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on November 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- ExoLock
- First Seen
- November 1, 2017
How ExoLock Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
ExoLock modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..exolocked
..exo
Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, ExoLock displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
/^UnlockYourFiles[0-9]{1,2}\.txt$/
Ransom message:
notes/UnlockYourFiles8.txt
Note locations:
Desktop
Ransom message:
notes/note.txt
Note locations:
OnceOnCompletion
Technical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with ExoLock ransomware:
executable.exe
ExoBuilder.exe
Elastio Can Help You
Don't let ExoLock ransomware take over your data
Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions to keep your organization safe.
About This Analysis
This ExoLock 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 ExoLock.
Last updated: July 30, 2025