Ransomware Research
Pay2Unlock Ransomware
Pay2Unlock is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2023, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Pay2Unlock
- First Seen
- February 1, 2023
How Pay2Unlock Ransomware Works
File Encryption Patterns
Pay2Unlock modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..pay2unlockRansom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Pay2Unlock displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
UNLOCK_MY_FILES.txtRansom message:
notes/UNLOCK_MY_FILES.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolderTechnical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Pay2Unlock ransomware:
svchost.exeATBroker.exe
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About This Analysis
This Pay2Unlock 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 Pay2Unlock.
Last updated: July 30, 2025