Ransomware Research

Locked-In Ransomware

Locked-In is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on December 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: NoValid.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Locked-In
First Seen
December 1, 2016
Known Aliases
NoValid

How Locked-In Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

Locked-In modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

File extensions added after encryption:

..novalid./\.[A-Za-z0-9]{5,14}/

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

After encrypting files, Locked-In displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

fileRESTORE_CORUPTED_FILES.HTML

Ransom message:

notes/RESTORE_CORUPTED_FILES.HTML

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileRESTORE_NOVALID_FILES.HTML

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Locked-In ransomware:

  • multibyte.exe

Recovery and Decryption Tools

Good news! Decryption tools are available for Locked-In ransomware:

0

Elastio Can Help You

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About This Analysis

This Locked-In 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 Locked-In.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

Locked-In Ransomware - Detectable by Elastio