Ransomware Research

ChaosLocker Ransomware

ChaosLocker is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on May 1, 2025, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
ChaosLocker
First Seen
May 1, 2025

How ChaosLocker ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.chaos

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileREAD_IT.txt
notes/READ_IT.txt
Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with ChaosLocker ransomware:

About this analysis

This ChaosLocker 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 ChaosLocker.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects ChaosLocker inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify ChaosLocker 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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