Ransomware Research

Zelta Free Ransomware

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

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Zelta Free
First Seen
May 1, 2017

How Zelta Free ransomware works

File encryption patterns

Zelta Free modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

Extensions added after encryption
.locked

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileHow to recover my files.txt
notes/How to recover my files.txt
Location: Desktop
message
notes/note.txt
Location: Login

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Zelta Free ransomware:

About this analysis

This Zelta Free 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 Zelta Free.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Zelta Free inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Zelta Free 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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