Ransomware Research

CryptoKill Ransomware

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

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
CryptoKill
First Seen
February 1, 2017

How CryptoKill ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.crypto

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileCRYPTOKILL_README.txt
notes/CRYPTOKILL_README.txt

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with CryptoKill ransomware:

About this analysis

This CryptoKill 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 CryptoKill.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects CryptoKill inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify CryptoKill 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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