Ako Ransomware
Ako is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on January 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Ako Doxware, MedusaReborn.
Quick facts
How Ako ransomware works
File encryption patterns
Ako modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Ako displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/Ako-ReadMe.txt
notes/ako-readme.txt
notes/AkoReadMe.txt
notes/AkoReadMe.html
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with Ako ransomware:
- 43657_locker.exe
- asu.exe
About this analysis
This Ako ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like Ako.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects Ako inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Ako across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a scan against your recovery points to confirm.
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