Ransomware Research

Mespinoza Ransomware

Mespinoza is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on November 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Mespinoza, Pysa, Mespinoza Doxware.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Mespinoza
First Seen
November 1, 2019
Known Aliases
MespinozaPysaMespinoza Doxware

How Mespinoza ransomware works

File encryption patterns

Mespinoza modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

Extensions added after encryption
.locked.pysa.newversion

Ransom note and payment demands

After encrypting files, Mespinoza displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

fileReadme.README
notes/Readme.README
Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Mespinoza ransomware:

About this analysis

This Mespinoza ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like Mespinoza.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Mespinoza inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Mespinoza across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a scan against your recovery points to confirm.

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What is Mespinoza Ransomware? | Elastio