Ransomware Research

jCandy Ransomware

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

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
jCandy
First Seen
November 1, 2017

How jCandy ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.locked-jCandy

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileJCANDY_INSTRUCTIONS.txt
notes/JCANDY_INSTRUCTIONS.txt
Location: Desktop
fileREAD_ME.txt
notes/READ_ME.txt
Location: Desktop
message
notes/note.txt
Location: OnceOnCompletion

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with jCandy ransomware:

About this analysis

This jCandy 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 jCandy.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects jCandy inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify jCandy 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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