Locky ransomware-affected file
File type: Ransomware encrypted file
Files with the .zzzzz file extension are files renamed and encrypted by a Locky ransomware variant. The suffix was observed from November 2016.
The encrypted files cannot be opened normally because their original contents have been locked by the ransomware.
File type category:
Ransomware encrypted file
Date updated: October 9, 2026
The .zzzzz file extension was used by a Locky ransomware variant from November 2016. Earlier Locky variants used the zepto,locky and odin extensions.
Locky encrypted the user's files and changed their names by adding the .zzzzz suffix. The affected files retain their original data in encrypted form, but they are not usable until they are recovered or decrypted.
An infected user may also find a ransom note containing payment instructions, along with the typical gray or pink Locky wallpaper. Locky was ransomware for Windows computers.
A .zzzzz file cannot be opened with a normal document, image or media program. It is an encrypted file created by Locky ransomware, so changing the extension will not restore its contents.
Unfortunately, there is no decryptor for .zzzzz files available.
There is no meaningful conversion from the .zzzzz format to another file format. The original data must first be recovered or decrypted.
Possible recovery sources include an unaffected backup. After recovery, the files can be opened and exported using their original applications.
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