Ransomware Research

Pico Ransomware

Pico is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on September 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Pico
First Seen
September 1, 2018

How Pico ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.picocode#8523.PICO

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileREADME.txt
notes/README.txt
Location: Desktop

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Pico ransomware:

About this analysis

This Pico 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 Pico.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Pico inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Pico 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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