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:

file/^\(_H0W_TO_REC0VER_[A-Za-z0-9]{4,6}\.html$/

Ransom message:

notes/(_H0W_TO_REC0VER_2NMjd.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file/^\(_H0W_TO_REC0VER_[A-Za-z0-9]{4,6}\.txt$/

Ransom message:

notes/(_H0W_TO_REC0VER_2NMjd.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file/^\(_H0W_TO_REC0VER_[A-Za-z0-9]{4,6}\.url$/

Ransom message:

notes/(_H0W_TO_REC0VER_2NMjd.url

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file/^\^_READ_TO_RE5T0RE_[A-Za-z0-9]{4,6}\.html$/

Ransom message:

notes/^_READ_TO_RE5T0RE_4LaBYb.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file/^\^_READ_TO_RE5T0RE_[A-Za-z0-9]{4,6}\.txt/

Ransom message:

notes/^_READ_TO_RE5T0RE_4LaBYb.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
file/^\^_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

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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

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