PowerShell Locker Ransomware
PowerShell Locker is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on October 1, 2015, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: PowerShell 2015, PowerShell Locker 2015, PowerWorm.
Quick facts
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, PowerShell Locker displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/README.txt
notes/DECRYPT_INSTRUCTION.txt
About this analysis
This PowerShell Locker 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 PowerShell Locker.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects PowerShell Locker inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify PowerShell Locker 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.
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