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:

fileREAD_ME.legacy

Ransom message:

notes/READ_ME.legacy

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileREAD_ME.core
fileREAD_ME.cube

Ransom message:

notes/READ_ME.cube
fileREAD_ME.mars

Ransom message:

notes/READ_ME.mars
fileREAD_ME.orion

Ransom message:

notes/READ_ME.orion
fileTRY_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

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