Ransomware Research

PassLock Ransomware

PassLock is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
PassLock
First Seen
February 1, 2020

How PassLock Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..encrypted

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

message

Ransom message:

notes/note.txt

Note locations:

OnceOnCompletion

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with PassLock ransomware:

  • PassLock.exe

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About This Analysis

This PassLock 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 PassLock.

Last updated: July 30, 2025