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
How PrincessLocker Evolution ransomware works
File encryption patterns
PrincessLocker Evolution modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, PrincessLocker Evolution displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/(_H0W_TO_REC0VER_2NMjd.html
notes/(_H0W_TO_REC0VER_2NMjd.txt
notes/(_H0W_TO_REC0VER_2NMjd.url
notes/^_READ_TO_RE5T0RE_4LaBYb.html
notes/^_READ_TO_RE5T0RE_4LaBYb.txt
notes/^_READ_TO_RE5T0RE_4LaBYb.url
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with PrincessLocker Evolution ransomware:
- princess_ransom.exe
- PrincessLocker.exe
About this analysis
This PrincessLocker Evolution 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 PrincessLocker Evolution.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects PrincessLocker Evolution inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify PrincessLocker Evolution 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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