WastedLocker Ransomware: Complete Analysis, Indicators Of Compromise (IOCs), MITRE ATT&CK M

  Category:  RANSOMWARE | 4th July 2026 | Author:  CSI'S TEAM

Introduction

WastedLocker Ransomware Is One Of The Most Notorious Enterprise-focused Ransomware Families Discovered In 2020. Security Researchers Have Linked WastedLocker To The Cybercriminal Group Known As Evil Corp, A Threat Actor With A Long History Of Financially Motivated Cybercrime. Unlike Many Ransomware Campaigns That Target Individuals Indiscriminately, WastedLocker Was Designed To Target Large Organizations, Government Entities, Manufacturing Companies, And Critical Infrastructure Providers.

The Ransomware Is Known For Encrypting Files Across Networks, Disrupting Business Operations, And Demanding Substantial Ransom Payments In Exchange For Decryption Tools. WastedLocker Attacks Have Affected Organizations Worldwide And Caused Significant Financial And Operational Damage.

This Guide Provides A Comprehensive Overview Of WastedLocker Ransomware, Including Affected Operating Systems, Infected File Types, File Extensions, Countries Impacted, Indicators Of Compromise (IOCs), MITRE ATT&CK Techniques, Detection Guidance, FAQs, And Removal Recommendations.

What Is WastedLocker Ransomware?

WastedLocker Is A Sophisticated Ransomware Family That Encrypts Files On Infected Systems And Network Resources. The Malware Is Highly Targeted And Often Deployed After Attackers Spend Days Or Weeks Gaining Access To A Victim's Environment.

Attackers Typically:

• Gain Initial Access

• Escalate Privileges

• Move Laterally Across The Network

• Identify Critical Systems

• Deploy Ransomware Manually

This Approach Allows Attackers To Maximize Damage And Increase The Likelihood Of Receiving Ransom Payments.

How WastedLocker Ransomware Spreads?

Phishing Campaigns

Attackers Often Use Malicious Emails Containing:

• Malicious Attachments

• Weaponized Documents

• Links To Malware Downloads

Fake Software Updates

Victims May Encounter Fraudulent Browser Updates Or Software Installers Containing Malware.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Attacks

Weak Or Exposed RDP Services Can Be Compromised Through:

• Password Spraying

• Credential Stuffing

• Brute-force Attacks

Compromised Networks

Attackers May Deploy WastedLocker After Obtaining Access Through:

• Stolen Credentials

• Vulnerability Exploitation

• Third-party Compromises

Operating Systems Targeted By WastedLocker

WastedLocker Primarily Targets Microsoft Windows Environments.

Affected Operating Systems

• Windows 7

• Windows 8

• Windows 8.1

• Windows 10

• Windows 11

• Windows Server 2008

• Windows Server 2012

• Windows Server 2016

• Windows Server 2019

• Windows Server 2022

Enterprise Windows Environments Remain The Primary Target.

Infected Files And File Types

WastedLocker Searches For Valuable Business And User Data.

Commonly Targeted Files

Documents

• .doc

• .docx

• .xls

• .xlsx

• .ppt

• .pptx

• .pdf

Databases

• .sql

• .mdb

• .accdb

• .db

Images

• .jpg

• .jpeg

• .png

• .bmp

• .tiff

Archives

• .zip

• .rar

• .7z

Development Files

• .java

• .cpp

• .cs

• .php

• .py

Virtualization Files

• .vmdk

• .vhd

• .vhdx

File Extensions Used By WastedLocker

After Encryption, WastedLocker Appends Custom Extensions.

Examples Observed Include:

• .wasted

• .garminwasted

• Organization-specific Variants

The Exact Extension Often Varies Based On The Victim And Campaign Configuration.

Browser Impact

WastedLocker Is Not Primarily A Browser Hijacker, But Browsers May Be Involved During Infection.

Potentially Affected Browsers

• Google Chrome

• Microsoft Edge

• Mozilla Firefox

• Opera

• Brave

Browser-Related Risks

• Credential Theft

• Session Hijacking

• Malicious Downloads

• Fake Update Delivery

How Many Systems Have Been Affected?

An Exact Global Infection Count Is Unavailable Because Ransomware Incidents Are Frequently Undisclosed.

Security Vendors And Incident Response Firms Observed:

• Hundreds Of Organizations Targeted

• Thousands Of Systems Encrypted Within Affected Networks

• Multiple High-profile Enterprise Victims

Because WastedLocker Was Highly Targeted Rather Than Mass-distributed, Its Total Victim Count Is Lower Than Commodity Ransomware Families. However, Its Impact Per Victim Was Often Substantially Higher.

Countries Affected By WastedLocker

WastedLocker Has Impacted Organizations Across Multiple Regions.

Countries Reporting Activity Include:

• United States

• Canada

• United Kingdom

• Germany

• France

• Italy

• Spain

• Netherlands

• Australia

• India

• Japan

• Singapore

• Brazil

• Mexico

• South Africa

The Ransomware Targeted Organizations Globally Rather Than Focusing On A Single Geographic Area.

Symptoms Of WastedLocker Infection

Victims May Notice:

• Files Becoming Inaccessible

• New File Extensions

• Ransom Notes Appearing

• High Disk Activity

• Disabled Security Tools

• Missing Backups

• Unusual Administrative Activity

• Unexpected Process Execution

WastedLocker Ransomware Indicators Of Compromise (IOCs)

Host-Based Indicators

• Unknown Encryption Processes

• Unauthorized PowerShell Execution

• Suspicious Scheduled Tasks

• New Services Created

• Shadow Copy Deletion Activity

• Registry Modifications

File Indicators

• Ransom Notes

• Encrypted Files With Custom Extensions

• Suspicious Executable Files

• Temporary Payload Files

Network Indicators

• Connections To Attacker-controlled Infrastructure

• Unexpected SMB Activity

• Internal Lateral Movement

• Abnormal Outbound Traffic

Behavioral Indicators

• Mass File Modifications

• Backup Deletion

• Security Software Tampering

• Credential Harvesting Attempts

MITRE ATT&CK Techniques Associated With WastedLocker

These Techniques Are Frequently Observed During Ransomware Intrusions.

Example Detection Rules

Sigma Rule Example

title: Suspicious Shadow Copy Deletion
Logsource:
  Product: Windows
  Category: Process_creation

Detection:
  Selection:
    CommandLine|contains:
      - "vssadmin Delete Shadows"
      - "wmic Shadowcopy Delete"

Condition: Selection

Level: High

PowerShell Detection

Event ID: 4104

Indicators:
- Invoke-Expression
- DownloadString
- EncodedCommand
- Base64 Payload Execution

Endpoint Detection Focus

Monitor For:

• Mass File Encryption

• Shadow Copy Deletion

• Ransom Note Creation

• Credential Dumping Tools

• Administrative Abuse

How To Remove WastedLocker Ransomware

Step 1: Isolate Infected Systems

Disconnect:

• Internet Access

• Internal Network Access

• Shared Drives

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

Collect:

• Logs

• Ransom Notes

• Suspicious Files

• Memory Captures

Step 3: Identify Scope

Determine:

• Affected Hosts

• Compromised Accounts

• Lateral Movement Paths

Step 4: Remove Malicious Components

Use Reputable Security Tools To:

• Detect Malware

• Remove Persistence

• Eliminate Backdoors

Step 5: Reset Credentials

Change:

• User Passwords

• Administrative Accounts

• Service Accounts

• VPN Credentials

Step 6: Restore From Backups

Recover Only After:

• Complete Malware Removal

• Verification Of Clean Systems

Step 7: Monitor Continuously

Watch For:

• Re-encryption Attempts

• Suspicious Logins

• New Malware Activity

Prevention Best Practices

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication

Protect:

• VPNs

• RDP

• Administrative Accounts

Restrict RDP Exposure

• Disable Public RDP Access

• Use VPNs

• Enforce Strong Passwords

Maintain Offline Backups

Keep:

• Offline Backups

• Immutable Backups

• Regular Recovery Testing

Patch Systems Regularly

Update:

• Windows Systems

• Third-party Applications

• Network Appliances

Deploy Endpoint Detection And Response (EDR)

Monitor:

• Process Behavior

• Network Activity

• Credential Abuse

Security Awareness Training

Educate Users About:

• Phishing

• Malicious Attachments

• Social Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is WastedLocker Ransomware?

WastedLocker Is A Targeted Ransomware Family Associated With The Evil Corp Cybercriminal Group That Encrypts Files And Disrupts Business Operations.

Is WastedLocker Still Active?

While Attack Activity Changes Over Time, Organizations Should Remain Vigilant Because Threat Actors Frequently Adapt Their Tools And Techniques.

What File Extension Does WastedLocker Use?

Common Extensions Include .wasted And Victim-specific Variants, Though Extensions May Vary Between Campaigns.

Does WastedLocker Steal Data?

Its Primary Purpose Is File Encryption, But Attackers May Conduct Reconnaissance And Data Collection Activities Before Deploying Ransomware.

Which Operating Systems Are Affected?

Primarily Microsoft Windows Desktops And Windows Server Environments.

Can Encrypted Files Be Recovered Without Paying?

Recovery Depends On The Availability Of Clean Backups And The Existence Of A Public Decryptor. Many Organizations Recover Through Backup Restoration Rather Than Ransom Payment.

How Can Organizations Prevent WastedLocker Infections?

Implement MFA, Maintain Offline Backups, Patch Systems, Restrict RDP Access, Deploy EDR Solutions, And Conduct Security Awareness Training.

Conclusion

WastedLocker Ransomware Remains One Of The Most Impactful Enterprise Ransomware Families Observed In Recent Years. By Targeting Windows Environments, Encrypting Critical Business Data, And Disrupting Operations, It Has Caused Significant Financial And Operational Losses For Organizations Worldwide.

Although Exact Infection Numbers Remain Unknown, Hundreds Of Organizations And Thousands Of Systems Have Been Affected Across Numerous Countries. Organizations Can Reduce Their Risk Through Strong Cybersecurity Controls, Employee Awareness, Proactive Monitoring, Regular Patching, Secure Backups, And Incident Response Planning.

A Layered Security Strategy Remains The Most Effective Defense Against Ransomware Threats Such As WastedLocker.

Malware Removal Guide For PC

Malware Removal Guide For Web Browsers

Prevent Future Malware

Summary - Malware Removal Guide

Guide For VPN Uses

Malware Removal Guide – PC And Web Browser

PART 1: Remove Malware From Your PC (Windows)

Step 1: Boot Into Safe Mode

• Restart Your PC And Press F8 (or Shift + F8 For Some Systems) Before Windows Loads.

• Choose Safe Mode With Networking.

Safe Mode Prevents Most Malware From Loading.

Step 2: Uninstall Suspicious Programs

1. Press Win + R, Type appwiz.cpl, And Press Enter.

2. Sort By Install Date And Uninstall Unknown Or Recently Added Programs.

Step 3: Run A Malware Scan

Use A Trusted Anti-malware Tool:

Malwarebytes – https://www.malwarebytes.com

Screenshot Of Malwarebytes - Visit Links

Microsoft Defender – Built Into Windows 10/11

HitmanPro, ESET Online Scanner, Or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

ZoneAlarm Pro Antivirus + Firewall NextGen

VIPRE Antivirus - US And Others Countries, | India

VIPRE Antivirus - Mac

F-Secure Total - Global

Run A Full Scan And Delete/quarantine Detected Threats.

Step 4: Delete Temporary Files

1. Press Win + R, Type temp → Delete All Files.

2. Press Win + R, Type %temp% → Delete All Files.

3. Use Disk Cleanup: cleanmgr In The Run Dialog.

Step 5: Reset Hosts File

1. Go To: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc

2. Open hosts File With Notepad.

3. Replace With Default Content:

Step 6: Check Startup Programs

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Open Task Manager

2. Go To Startup Tab

3. Disable Any Suspicious Entries.

Step 7: Reset Network Settings

1. Open Command Prompt As Administrator.

2. Run These Commands:

netsh Winsock Reset

netsh Int Ip Reset

ipconfig /flushdns

PART 2: Remove Malware From Web Browsers

? Common Signs Of Malware In Browser:

• Unwanted Homepage Or Search Engine

• Pop-ups Or Redirects

• Unknown Extensions Installed

Step 1: Remove Suspicious Extensions

For Chrome:

• Go To: chrome://extensions/

• Remove Anything Unfamiliar

For Firefox:

• Go To: about:addons → Extensions

• Remove Suspicious Add-ons

For Edge:

• Go To: edge://extensions/

• Uninstall Unknown Add-ons

Step 2: Reset Browser Settings

Chrome:

• Go To chrome://settings/reset → "Restore Settings To Their Original Defaults"

Firefox:

• Go To about:support → "Refresh Firefox"

Edge:

• Go To edge://settings/resetProfileSettings → "Reset Settings"

Step 3: Clear Cache And Cookies

All Browsers:

• Use Ctrl + Shift + Del → Select All Time

• Clear Cookies, Cached Files, And Site Data

Step 4: Check Search Engine & Homepage Settings

Make Sure They Are Not Hijacked.

• Chrome: chrome://settings/search

• Firefox: about:preferences#search

• Edge: edge://settings/search

Step 5: Use Browser Cleanup Tools (Optional)

• Chrome: chrome://settings/cleanup

• Use Malwarebytes Browser Guard For Real-time Browser Protection.

FINAL TIPS: Prevent Future Malware

• Always Download Software From Trusted Sources.

• Keep Windows, Browsers, And Antivirus Updated.

• Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links Or Ads.

• Use ad Blockers And reputable Antivirus Software.

• Backup Your Files Regularly.

Short Summary: Malware Removal Guide (PC & Web Browser)

To Remove Malware From Your Windows PC, Start By Booting Into Safe Mode, Uninstalling Suspicious Programs, And Scanning With Trusted Anti-malware Tools Like Malwarebytes. Clear Temporary Files, Reset Your Network Settings, And Check Startup Apps For Anything Unusual.

For web Browsers, Remove Unwanted Extensions, Reset Browser Settings, Clear Cache And Cookies, And Ensure Your Homepage And Search Engine Haven’t Been Hijacked. Use Cleanup Tools Like Chrome Cleanup Or Browser Guard For Added Protection.

?? Prevention Tips: Keep Software Updated, Avoid Suspicious Downloads, And Use Antivirus Protection Plus Browser Ad Blockers. Regular Backups Are Essential.

VPN - How To Use IT

1. Choose A Trusted VPN Provider

• Why It Matters: Not All VPNs Offer Malware Protection.

• What To Look For: Providers With built-in Malware/ad/tracker Blockers (e.g., NordVPN’s Threat Protection, ProtonVPN’s NetShield).

• Nord VPN
• Hide.me VPN

2. Enable Kill Switch

• Purpose: Prevents Data Leaks If Your VPN Connection Drops.

• Benefit: Ensures Your Real IP And Browsing Activity Aren’t Exposed To Malware-distributing Websites.

3. Use VPN With DNS Leak Protection

• Why It Matters: DNS Leaks Can Expose Your Online Activity To Attackers.

• Solution: Enable DNS Leak Protection In Your VPN Settings Or Use A Secure DNS Like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).

4. Avoid Free VPNs

• Risk: Free VPNs Often Contain Malware, Sell User Data, Or Lack Security Features.

• Better Option: Use Reputable Paid VPNs That Offer security Audits And Transparent Privacy Policies.

5. Use VPN With Anti-Phishing Tools

• Some VPNs Block Known Phishing And Malicious Sites.

• Example: Surfshark’s CleanWeb, CyberGhost’s Content Blocker.

6. Keep Your VPN App Updated

• Reason: Security Patches Fix Known Vulnerabilities.

• Tip: Enable Auto-updates Or Check For Updates Weekly.

. Use VPN On All Devices

• Scope: Malware Can Enter Through Phones, Tablets, Or IoT Devices.

• Solution: Install VPN Apps On Every Internet-connected Device.

8. Don’t Rely On VPN Alone

• Fact: VPNs Do Not Remove Or Detect Malware On Your System.

• Complement It With:

  • Antivirus Software

  • Firewall

  • Browser Extensions For Script Blocking

9. Avoid Clicking Unknown Links While VPN Is On

• VPN Encrypts Traffic But Can’t Stop Malware From Executing If You Download Infected Files.

10. Use VPN With Split Tunneling Cautiously

• Split Tunneling Allows Certain Apps/sites To Bypass VPN.

• Tip: Never Exclude Browsers, Email Clients, Or Download Managers From VPN Tunneling.

Short Note - VPN Uses

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) Enhances Your Online Privacy By Encrypting Your Internet Traffic And Masking Your IP Address. It Protects Your Data On Public Wi-Fi, Hides Browsing Activity From Hackers And ISPs, And Helps Bypass Geo-restrictions. VPNs Also Add A Layer Of Defense Against Malware By Blocking Malicious Websites And Trackers When Using Advanced Features. However, A VPN Does Not Remove Existing Malware Or Act As Antivirus Software. For Full Protection, Combine VPN Use With Antivirus Tools, Regular Software Updates, And Cautious Browsing Habits. Always Choose A Reputable VPN Provider With Strong Security And Privacy Policies.