Ransomware Research

WastedBit Ransomware

WastedBit 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: Wasted, MarioLocker.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
WastedBit
First Seen
November 1, 2019
Known Aliases
WastedMarioLocker

How WastedBit ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
./\.wasted[0-9]{1,4}$/

Ransom note and payment demands

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

file@Readme.txt
notes/@Readme.txt
Location: Desktop

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with WastedBit ransomware:

About this analysis

This WastedBit 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 WastedBit.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects WastedBit inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify WastedBit 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.

See How the Hunt Engine WorksRequest a Demo

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