Ransomware Research

Magic Ransomware

Magic is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on January 1, 2016, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Memekap.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Magic
First Seen
January 1, 2016
Known Aliases
Memekap

How Magic ransomware works

File encryption patterns

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

Extensions added after encryption
.magic

Ransom note and payment demands

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

fileDECRYPT_ReadMe.TXT.ReadMe
notes/DECRYPT_ReadMe.TXT.ReadMe
Location: RansomPayloadStartFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Magic ransomware:

About this analysis

This Magic ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like Magic.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Magic inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Magic across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a scan against your recovery points to confirm.

See How the Hunt Engine WorksRequest a Demo

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