Ransomware Research

BuyUnlockCode Ransomware

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

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
BuyUnlockCode
First Seen
May 1, 2016

How BuyUnlockCode ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
./\.encoded\.[A-Z]{2}[0-9]{7}\b/

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileBUYUNLOCKCODE.txt
notes/BUYUNLOCKCODE.txt

About this analysis

This BuyUnlockCode 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 BuyUnlockCode.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects BuyUnlockCode inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify BuyUnlockCode 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.

See How the Hunt Engine WorksRequest a Demo

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