Ransomware Research
Kirk Ransomware
Kirk is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Spock.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Kirk
- First Seen
- March 1, 2017
- Known Aliases
- Spock
How Kirk Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
Kirk modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..kirkedRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Kirk displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
RANSOM_NOTE.txtRansom message:
notes/RANSOM_NOTE.txt
Note locations:
RansomPayloadStartFolderRansom message:
notes/note.txt
Note locations:
OnceOnCompletionTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Kirk ransomware:
Trojan.Ransom.Kirk.exekirk ransomloic_win32.exekirk.exKirk.exedatastartrek.binnicefb990c5cc.exeMAL1V1.exe
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About This Analysis
This Kirk 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 Kirk.
Last updated: October 30, 2025
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