Ransomware Research

Lock3 Ransomware

Lock3 is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on December 1, 2023, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Lock3
First Seen
December 1, 2023

How Lock3 ransomware works

File encryption patterns

Lock3 modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

Extensions added after encryption
.lock3

Ransom note and payment demands

After encrypting files, Lock3 displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

fileHow_to_back_files.html
notes/How_to_back_files.html
Location: RootDiscs, Desktop

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Lock3 ransomware:

About this analysis

This Lock3 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 Lock3.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Lock3 inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Lock3 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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