Ransomware Research

KimcilWare Ransomware

KimcilWare is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
KimcilWare
First Seen
March 1, 2016

How KimcilWare ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.kimcilware.locked

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileREADME_FOR_UNLOCK.txt
notes/README_FOR_UNLOCK.txt

About this analysis

This KimcilWare 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 KimcilWare.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects KimcilWare inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify KimcilWare 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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What is KimcilWare Ransomware? | Elastio