Ransomware Research

CTB-Locker Ransomware

CTB-Locker 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
CTB-Locker
First Seen
May 1, 2016

How CTB-Locker ransomware works

File encryption patterns

CTB-Locker modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

Extensions added after encryption
./\.[a-z]{7}$/

Ransom note and payment demands

After encrypting files, CTB-Locker displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

screenshot
notes/!Decrypt-All-Files-laxnecg.png
Location: Desktop
file/^!Decrypt-All-Files-[a-z]{7}\.txt$/
notes/!Decrypt-All-Files-laxnecg.txt
Location: Desktop
file/^!Decrypt-All-Files-[a-z]{7}\.txt$/
notes/!Decrypt-All-Files-dczvecg.txt
Location: UserFolders
screenshot
notes/!Decrypt-All-Files-dczvecg.png
Location: Desktop

About this analysis

This CTB-Locker 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 CTB-Locker.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects CTB-Locker inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify CTB-Locker 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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