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

File encryption patterns

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

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
notes/READ_ME.legacy
Location: EveryFolder
fileREAD_ME.core
fileREAD_ME.cube
notes/READ_ME.cube
fileREAD_ME.mars
notes/READ_ME.mars
fileREAD_ME.orion
notes/READ_ME.orion
fileTRY_TO_READ.html
notes/TRY_TO_READ.html
Location: EveryFolder

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Major ransomware:

About this analysis

This Major 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 Major.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Major inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Major 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.

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What is Major Ransomware? | Elastio