Ransomware Research

Locky-Ykcol Ransomware

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

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Locky-Ykcol
First Seen
September 1, 2017

How Locky-Ykcol ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.ykcol

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileykcol.html
notes/ykcol.htm
Location: Desktop
screenshot
notes/ykcol.bmp
Location: Desktop

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Locky-Ykcol ransomware:

About this analysis

This Locky-Ykcol 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-Ykcol.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Locky-Ykcol inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Locky-Ykcol 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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