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Ransomware Simulator (Educational)

See how ransomware renames and 'encrypts' files — without any actual encryption. This is a defense-awareness tool: filenames are transformed using real ransomware patterns, and a realistic ransom note is shown. Nothing here touches your real files.

SIMULATION ONLY — NO REAL ENCRYPTION

This tool only renames a list of filenames you provide. It does not access your filesystem, does not encrypt anything, and is for security awareness training only.

Type any list of file names — they will be transformed using real ransomware patterns

File transformation5 files
Before
family-vacation-2023.jpg
→
After
family-vacation-2023.jpg.locked
Before
tax-returns-2024.pdf
→
After
tax-returns-2024.pdf.locked
Before
my-diary.docx
→
After
my-diary.docx.locked
Before
grandma-recipes.xlsx
→
After
grandma-recipes.xlsx.locked
Before
important-backup.zip
→
After
important-backup.zip.locked

Click “Pay ransom” to simulate what happens when the victim pays — the file name is restored. In reality, payment does not always result in decryption.

5
Files affected
.locked
Extension added
NONE (sim)
Encryption
How to defend against ransomware
  • • Backups: follow the 3-2-1 rule — 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 off-site/offline.
  • • Patch: keep OS, browsers, and apps updated. Many ransomware outbreaks exploit known bugs.
  • • Email filtering: most ransomware arrives as phishing attachments — train your team.
  • • Principle of least privilege: limit admin accounts and segment networks.
  • • Application allowlisting: block unknown executables from running.
  • • Disable macro auto-run: Office documents are a top infection vector.
  • • Never pay: paying funds further attacks and does not guarantee recovery.

This tool exists for security awareness training. If you are a victim of real ransomware, disconnect the affected device from the network immediately, do not pay, and contact a reputable incident response provider or your local CERT.

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