Ransomware Research
Major Ransomware
Major is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Bmps.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- Major
- First Seen
- March 1, 2019
- Known Aliases
- Bmps
How Major Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
Samples of encrypted files -> IMG_123.jpg.15031736919164.bmps@tutanota.com.major;IMG_123.jpg.15031736919164.xlsx@tutanota.com.core https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/696542/major-ransomware-major-core-bmps-cube-mars-orion-support-topic/page-2#entry4811163 https://app.any.run/tasks/7997debf-f9e4-4fdf-9a8b-706536c679ac/
File Encryption Patterns
Major modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..major
..core
..cube
..mars
..legacy
..orion
..AIR
..ONIX
Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, Major displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
READ_ME.legacy
Ransom message:
notes/READ_ME.legacy
Note locations:
EveryFolder
READ_ME.core
READ_ME.cube
Ransom message:
notes/READ_ME.cube
READ_ME.mars
Ransom message:
notes/READ_ME.mars
READ_ME.orion
Ransom message:
notes/READ_ME.orion
TRY_TO_READ.html
Ransom message:
notes/TRY_TO_READ.html
Note locations:
EveryFolder
Technical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with Major ransomware:
Major.exe
svchost.exe
faktura_8800.vbs
f.vbs
faktura.tar
3.exe
Ad.exe
program.exe
executable.exe
ckoufc.exe
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About This Analysis
This Major ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like Major.
Last updated: July 30, 2025