Ransomware Research

Unlocker Ransomware

Unlocker is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on February 1, 2022, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Unlocker
First Seen
February 1, 2022

How Unlocker ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.lock

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileALL_YOUR_FILES_ARE_ENCRYPTED.TXT
fileREADME_WARNING.TXT
notes/README_WARNING.TXT

About this analysis

This Unlocker 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 Unlocker.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Unlocker inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Unlocker 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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