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TorrentLocker

2014 Windows ransomware trojan

Wikipedia contributorsAdapted for Fathomly · View authors
1 min read
Source updated January 31, 2026

TorrentLocker is a ransomware trojan targeting Microsoft Windows. It was first observed in February 2014, with at least five of its major releases made available by December 2014. The malware encrypts the victim's files in a similar manner to CryptoLocker by implementing symmetric block cipher AES where the key is encrypted with an asymmetric cipher.

TorrentLocker scans the system for programs and files, and conceals the contents through AES encryption leaving ransom instructions to the victim on what has to be done, and how to pay the decryption ransom. The operator demands from the victim an amount that usually starts around US$550 within 3 days. The victim is told to pay the amount in Bitcoins, and is sent a unique Bitcoin address that differs for each infected user.

Watch videos about TorrentLockerExplainers and documentaries on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

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This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “TorrentLocker”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.

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