Fake Locky Ransomware
Fake Locky is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on January 1, 2017, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Locky Impersonator.
Quick facts
How Fake Locky ransomware works
File encryption patterns
Fake Locky modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Fake Locky displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/Rans0m_N0te_Read_ME.txt
About this analysis
This Fake Locky 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 Fake Locky.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects Fake Locky inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Fake Locky 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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