Ransomware Research
Iron Ransomware
Iron is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on April 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Iron Locker, Iron Unlocker.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Iron
- First Seen
- April 1, 2018
- Known Aliases
- Iron LockerIron Unlocker
How Iron Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
Iron modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..encryRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Iron displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
!HELP_YOUR_FILES.HTMLRansom message:
notes/!HELP_YOUR_FILES.HTML
Note locations:
EveryFolderRansom message:
notes/!HELP_YOUR_FILES.HTML
Note locations:
OnceOnCompletionTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Iron ransomware:
ado64Iron.exeftp.execore.scr
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About This Analysis
This Iron 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 Iron.
Last updated: October 30, 2025
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