Ransomware Research

WastedLocker Ransomware

WastedLocker is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on May 1, 2020, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Wasted, Launchy, BinADS, BinLocker, Easy2lock, Hades, SecCrypt, Phoenix Cryptolocker, PayloadBin, Macaw.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
WastedLocker
First Seen
May 1, 2020
Known Aliases
WastedLaunchyBinADSBinLockerEasy2lockHadesSecCryptPhoenix CryptolockerPayloadBinMacaw

How WastedLocker ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
./\.[a-z]{1,3}wasted$/.easy2lock.seccrypt.phoenix.saverswasted.PAYLOADBIN

Ransom note and payment demands

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

file{origin_filename}/\.[a-z]{1,3}wasted_info$/
notes/PDF2.pdf.rlhwasted_info
Location: EveryFile
file{origin_filename}.howto_seccrypt
notes/UseTrace.mpeg.howto_seccrypt
Location: EveryFile
filePHOENIX-HELP.txt
notes/PHOENIX-HELP.txt
Location: EveryFolder
filePAYLOADBIN-README.txt
notes/PAYLOADBIN-README.txt
Location: EveryFolder
filemacaw_recover.txt

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with WastedLocker ransomware:

About this analysis

This WastedLocker 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 WastedLocker.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects WastedLocker inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify WastedLocker 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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