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Ransomware Research
PrincessLocker Evolution Ransomware
PrincessLocker Evolution is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on August 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Princess Evolution, PrincessLocker 3.0.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- PrincessLocker Evolution
- First Seen
- August 1, 2018
- Known Aliases
- Princess EvolutionPrincessLocker 3.0
How PrincessLocker Evolution Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
https://app.any.run/tasks/11a5f5a2-f264-449a-89b0-4e4915d31fde/
File Encryption Patterns
PrincessLocker Evolution modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
./\.[A-Za-z0-9]{4,6}$/
Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, PrincessLocker Evolution displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
/^\(_H0W_TO_REC0VER_[A-Za-z0-9]{4,6}\.html$/
Ransom message:
notes/(_H0W_TO_REC0VER_2NMjd.html
Note locations:
EveryFolder
/^\(_H0W_TO_REC0VER_[A-Za-z0-9]{4,6}\.txt$/
Ransom message:
notes/(_H0W_TO_REC0VER_2NMjd.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolder
/^\(_H0W_TO_REC0VER_[A-Za-z0-9]{4,6}\.url$/
Ransom message:
notes/(_H0W_TO_REC0VER_2NMjd.url
Note locations:
EveryFolder
/^\^_READ_TO_RE5T0RE_[A-Za-z0-9]{4,6}\.html$/
Ransom message:
notes/^_READ_TO_RE5T0RE_4LaBYb.html
Note locations:
EveryFolder
/^\^_READ_TO_RE5T0RE_[A-Za-z0-9]{4,6}\.txt/
Ransom message:
notes/^_READ_TO_RE5T0RE_4LaBYb.txt
Note locations:
EveryFolder
/^\^_READ_TO_RE5T0RE_[A-Za-z0-9]{4,6}\.url$/
Ransom message:
notes/^_READ_TO_RE5T0RE_4LaBYb.url
Note locations:
EveryFolder
Technical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with PrincessLocker Evolution ransomware:
princess_ransom.exe
PrincessLocker.exe
Elastio Can Help You
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About This Analysis
This PrincessLocker Evolution ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like PrincessLocker Evolution.
Last updated: July 30, 2025