Ransomware Research

Unikey Ransomware

Unikey is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on July 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Unikey
First Seen
July 1, 2017

How Unikey Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

Ecnrypts only test folder on the Desktop Requires C&C to send encryption key

File Encryption Patterns

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

fileREAD_IT.txt

Ransom message:

notes/READ_IT.txt

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Unikey ransomware:

  • Unikey-Ransomware.exe

Elastio Can Help You

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About This Analysis

This Unikey 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 Unikey.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

Unikey Ransomware - Detectable by Elastio