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Ransomware Research
MegaCortex Ransomware
MegaCortex is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on April 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: MegaCortex 2.0-4.0.
Quick Facts
- Ransomware Family
- MegaCortex
- First Seen
- April 1, 2019
- Known Aliases
- MegaCortex 2.0-4.0
How MegaCortex Ransomware Works
Targeted Files
https://www.accenture.com/_acnmedia/pdf-106/accenture-technical-analysis-megacortex.pdf
File Encryption Patterns
MegaCortex modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
File extensions added after encryption:
..aes128ctr
..megac0rtx
..m3gac0rtx
..m3g4c0rtx
Ransom Note and Payment Demands
After encrypting files, MegaCortex displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
!!!_READ_ME_!!!.txt
Ransom message:
notes/!!!_READ_ME_!!!.txt
!!!_READ-ME_!!!.txt
Ransom message:
notes/!!!_READ-ME_!!!.txt
!-!_README_!-!.rtf
Ransom message:
notes/!-!_README_!-!.rtf
Note locations:
RootDiscs
Desktop
Technical Indicators
Associated Executable Files
The following executable files are associated with MegaCortex ransomware:
330835.exe
winnit.bin
winnit.exe
RAND_NAME
smple.exe
smple_3030743476.exe
env.exe
Elastio Can Help You
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About This Analysis
This MegaCortex 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 MegaCortex.
Last updated: July 30, 2025