Ransomware Research

MedusaLocker Ransomware

MedusaLocker is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on October 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
MedusaLocker
First Seen
October 1, 2019

How MedusaLocker Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/718624/need-to-id-himynameisransom/ https://app.any.run/tasks/8c910955-d620-4498-9ea4-620df129c1cc/# https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/710290/need-help-identifying-encryption-readinstructions-extention/ https://app.any.run/tasks/9780ceeb-6e6a-4017-8aa0-78579ea3056a/

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

..encrypted..bomber..boroff..skynet..breakingbad..decrypme..ReadTheInstructions..ReadInstructions..networkmaze..deadfiles..abstergo..himynameisransom..VinDizelPux..EG..RS..support..spartanvladimir60@mail.ru..divsouth..lockfilesCO..lockfilesKR..1btc..Readinstruction..locker16..newlock..nlocker..mamai10..L41..L47..L54..datalock..L16..farlock3..lockfiles..huylock..lockfile..frlock..lockhyp..youfileslock

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileReadme.html
fileHOW_TO_RECOVER_DATA.html

Ransom message:

notes/HOW_TO_RECOVER_DATA.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileHOW_TO_OPEN_FILES.html

Ransom message:

notes/HOW_TO_OPEN_FILES.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileINSTRUCTIONS.html

Ransom message:

notes/INSTRUCTIONS.html

Note locations:

RootDiscsUserFolders
fileRECOVER_INSTRUCTIONS.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileRecovery_Instructions.html

Ransom message:

notes/Recovery_Instructions.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileREADINSTRUCTION.html

Ransom message:

notes/READINSTRUCTION.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileINFORMATION.html

Ransom message:

notes/INFORMATION.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileRecovery_Instructions.txt

Ransom message:

notes/Recovery_Instructions.txt

Note locations:

RootDiscsDesktop
file!!!HOW_TO_DECRYPT!!!.mht

Ransom message:

notes/!!!HOW_TO_DECRYPT!!!.mht

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileHow_to_back_files.html

Ransom message:

notes/How_to_back_files.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with MedusaLocker ransomware:

  • svchostt.exe
  • fix.exe
  • dix_16.exe
  • dix_16_xp.exe
  • svhost.exe
  • nebuild.exe
  • va-1.8.exe
  • OP_new.exe
  • lr.exe.bak
  • 2.exe
  • CO.exes
  • M10.exe
  • jadenzalubov
  • jadenzalubov.exe
  • svhost.exe
  • CRYPTED.EXE

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About This Analysis

This MedusaLocker 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 MedusaLocker.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

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