Locky is a ransomware malware that emerged around early 2016 and quickly gained notoriety for its widespread impact. It operates by encrypting files on infected systems, rendering them inaccessible to users until a ransom is paid, typically in cryptocurrency. Locky is usually distributed via phishing campaigns, where malicious email attachments or links lead to the execution of the ransomware payload. Once executed, Locky scans the system for a wide range of file types, encrypts them using strong cryptographic algorithms, and appends a unique extension to the encrypted files. It then displays ransom notes demanding payment for the decryption key. Although the provided information indicates a low severity rating and no known exploits in the wild at the time of the report, Locky historically has been a significant threat due to its ability to disrupt business operations and cause data loss. The malware’s propagation relies heavily on social engineering and user interaction, particularly opening malicious email attachments. The lack of specific affected versions or patches suggests that Locky targets general Windows environments rather than exploiting a particular software vulnerability. Its impact is primarily on data confidentiality and availability, as encrypted files are inaccessible without the decryption key. The threat level and analysis scores provided (3 and 2 respectively) indicate moderate concern but not critical at the time of reporting.

For European organizations, Locky ransomware poses a considerable risk, especially to sectors reliant on data availability and integrity such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and public administration. The encryption of critical files can lead to operational downtime, financial losses due to ransom payments or recovery costs, and reputational damage. Given the widespread use of Windows systems across Europe, the potential attack surface is large. Additionally, the GDPR framework imposes strict data protection and breach notification requirements, meaning organizations affected by ransomware must respond promptly and transparently, or face regulatory penalties. Locky’s reliance on phishing means that organizations with insufficient user awareness training or weak email filtering are particularly vulnerable. The ransomware’s impact extends beyond individual organizations, potentially disrupting supply chains and critical infrastructure if key entities are compromised.

European organizations should implement a multi-layered defense strategy against Locky ransomware. This includes advanced email filtering solutions to detect and block phishing emails and malicious attachments. User awareness training must be regularly conducted to educate employees about phishing risks and safe email handling practices. Endpoint protection platforms with behavioral detection capabilities can help identify and block ransomware execution. Regular, offline, and encrypted backups are critical to enable recovery without paying ransom. Network segmentation can limit the spread of ransomware within an organization. Implementing application whitelisting can prevent unauthorized execution of malicious code. Organizations should also ensure that all systems and software are up to date with security patches to reduce the risk of exploitation through other vulnerabilities. Incident response plans should be tested and include ransomware-specific scenarios to ensure readiness. Finally, organizations should monitor threat intelligence feeds for updates on Locky variants and indicators of compromise.