notes/note.txt
Location: OnceOnCompletion
WinLock is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on May 1, 2026, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
WinLock updates file modification timestamps after encryption.
WinLock modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
After encrypting files, WinLock displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/note.txt
Location: OnceOnCompletion
The following executable files are associated with WinLock ransomware:
This WinLock 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 WinLock.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify WinLock across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a hunt against your recovery points to confirm.