Ransomware Research

Shark Ransomware

Shark is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on August 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Shark
First Seen
August 1, 2016

How Shark Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

Shark 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, Shark displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

fileUNLOCK ME.url

Ransom message:

notes/UNLOCK ME.url

Note locations:

Desktop
message

Ransom message:

notes/note.txt

Note locations:

Login

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Shark ransomware:

  • Shark.exe
  • tmp_17710-Ransom.Shark-2007806490.exe
  • tmp_24489-Ransom.Shark144837340.exe
  • tmp_12439-Ransom.Shark1586960964.exe
  • tmp_12021-Ransom.Shark-1074968080.exe

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About This Analysis

This Shark 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 Shark.

Last updated: October 30, 2025

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What is Shark Ransomware? | Elastio