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:
UNLOCK ME.url
Ransom message:
notes/UNLOCK ME.url
Note locations:
Desktop
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: July 30, 2025