Ransomware Research

KoreanLocker Ransomware

KoreanLocker is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on January 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
KoreanLocker
First Seen
January 1, 2018

How KoreanLocker Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..locked

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileREADME.txt

Ransom message:

notes/README.txt

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with KoreanLocker ransomware:

  • hidden-tear.exe
  • KoreanLocker.exe

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About This Analysis

This KoreanLocker 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 KoreanLocker.

Last updated: July 30, 2025