Ransomware Research

WhoLocker Ransomware

WhoLocker is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on July 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Wholocked, Who, XX, Gendarmerie, Mavideo.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
WhoLocker
First Seen
July 1, 2020
Known Aliases
WholockedWhoXXGendarmerieMavideo

How WhoLocker Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

WhoLocker modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

File extensions added after encryption:

..wholocked

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

After encrypting files, WhoLocker displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

fileREAD_ME_Heyyyyyyy.txt

Ransom message:

notes/READ_ME_Heyyyyyyy.txt

Note locations:

Desktop

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with WhoLocker ransomware:

  • 1.exe
  • dokument.exe
  • xX.exe
  • mavideo.exe

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About This Analysis

This WhoLocker 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 WhoLocker.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

WhoLocker Ransomware - Detectable by Elastio