Ransomware Research

LMAOxUS Ransomware

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

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
LMAOxUS
First Seen
March 1, 2017

How LMAOxUS ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.lmao

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileLMAO_READ_ME.txt
notes/LMAO_READ_ME.txt
Location: Desktop

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with LMAOxUS ransomware:

About this analysis

This LMAOxUS 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 LMAOxUS.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects LMAOxUS inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify LMAOxUS 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 LMAOxUS Ransomware? | Elastio