Merlin Ransomware
Merlin is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2023, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide.
Quick facts
How Merlin ransomware works
File encryption patterns
Merlin modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:
Ransom note and payment demands
After encrypting files, Merlin displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:
notes/Merlin_Recover.txt
Technical indicators
Associated executable files
The following executable files are associated with Merlin ransomware:
- windows.exe
About this analysis
This Merlin 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 Merlin.
Last updated: December 30, 2025
Elastio detects Merlin inside your data and backups.
The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Merlin 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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