Ransomware Research
PowerShell Locker Ransomware
PowerShell Locker is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on October 1, 2015, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: PowerShell 2015, PowerShell Locker 2015, PowerWorm.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- PowerShell Locker
- First Seen
- October 1, 2015
- Known Aliases
- PowerShell 2015PowerShell Locker 2015PowerWorm
How PowerShell Locker Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
NOSAMPLE
Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, PowerShell Locker displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
README.txtRansom message:
notes/README.txt
DECRYPT_INSTRUCTION.htmlDECRYPT_INSTRUCTION.txtRansom message:
notes/DECRYPT_INSTRUCTION.txt
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About This Analysis
This PowerShell Locker 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 PowerShell Locker.
Last updated: July 30, 2025