Ransomware Research

Locky Ransomware

Locky 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
Locky
First Seen
March 1, 2016

How Locky ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.locky.loptr.thor.zzzzz.shit.lukitus.aesir

Ransom note and payment demands

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

file/^loptr-\w{4}\.htm$/
file/^lukitus-\w{4}\.htm$/
notes/lukitus-1df8.htm
Location: EveryFolder
file/^.\d{1,3}-INSTRUCTION\.html$/
notes/_180-INSTRUCTION.html
Location: EveryFolder
file/^_\d_WHAT_is\.html$/
notes/_0_WHAT_is.html
Location: EveryFolder
file_Locky_recover_instructions.txt
notes/_Locky_recover_instructions.txt
Location: EveryFolder
screenshot
notes/_Locky_recover_instructions.bmp
Location: Desktop

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Locky ransomware:

About this analysis

This 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 Locky.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Locky inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify 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.

See How the Hunt Engine WorksRequest a Demo

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What is Locky Ransomware? | Elastio