Ransomware Research

Medusa Stealer Ransomware

Medusa Stealer is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on October 1, 2022, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Medusa Stealer
First Seen
October 1, 2022

How Medusa Stealer ransomware works

File encryption patterns

Medusa Stealer modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

Extensions added after encryption
.medusastealer

Ransom note and payment demands

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

message
notes/note.txt

About this analysis

This Medusa Stealer 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 Medusa Stealer.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Medusa Stealer inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Medusa Stealer 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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