Parasite Ransomware
Parasite is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on January 1, 2021, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: SharpCrypter, Paralock.
Quick facts
How Parasite ransomware works
File encryption patterns
Parasite modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Parasite displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/@READ_ME_FILE_ENCRYPTED@.html
notes/info.hta
notes/HOW_CAN_GET_FILES_BACK.txt
notes/___RECOVER__FILES__.RansomTrojanLock.txt
notes/HOW_CAN_GET_FILES_BACK.rtf
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with Parasite ransomware:
- pdjfs.exe
- prs.exe
- Adobe Reader.exe
- 98561.exe
- svchost.exe
- X.exe
- X.bin
- speedo.exe
- x65454.exe
- jjlylwvw.exe
- ___________.exe
- 有和人这中大为上个国.exe
- 1.exe
- $.exe
- 1.bin.exe
- ngg0to4u.exe
- SchoolPrject1.exe
- Ghost.exe
- Jpghosts.log
- TaskHost.exe
- 98561.exe
About this analysis
This Parasite 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 Parasite.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects Parasite inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Parasite 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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