Medusa Ransomware Decryptor | How to Decrypt Medusa Ransomware
Medusa ransomware has been one of the most persistent and rapidly evolving ransomware threats since its first appearance in late 2022. As a part of the Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, Medusa ransomware operators provide their ransomware tools to affiliates, who then carry out attacks on various industries. Medusa is especially notorious for its multi-extortion tactics, which include encrypting files and exfiltrating sensitive data, followed by threats to publish or sell the stolen information unless a ransom is paid.
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How Does Medusa Ransomware Spread?
Medusa ransomware is a highly sophisticated malware that utilizes a variety of tactics to infiltrate systems and networks. Here are the primary methods through which Medusa spreads:
Phishing Emails
One of the most common ways Medusa ransomware infiltrates systems is through phishing emails. These deceptive emails often contain malicious attachments or links that, once clicked or opened, trigger the ransomware. Attackers frequently disguise these emails to appear as legitimate communications from trusted sources, making it easier for unsuspecting users to fall victim.
Key Signs of Phishing Emails:
- Suspicious attachments (e.g., .exe, .zip, or .pdf files).
- Links that redirect to malicious websites.
- Poor grammar or messages with a sense of urgency, urging immediate action.
Exploiting Software Vulnerabilities
Medusa also spreads by exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities in software. Cybercriminals scan networks for systems running outdated or vulnerable software, including operating systems, web applications, and remote desktop services. Once a vulnerability is exploited, they install the ransomware and can propagate it across the network.
Commonly Exploited Vulnerabilities:
- Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) weaknesses.
- Unpatched software versions.
- Weak or default administrative passwords.
Network Propagation
Medusa is designed with network propagation capabilities, enabling it to rapidly spread across connected devices within the same network. After infecting one machine, it scans for other vulnerable systems, leveraging stolen credentials or security flaws to compromise additional devices.
Techniques for Network Spread:
- Using stolen administrative credentials.
- Exploiting open network shares and improper permissions.
- Utilizing remote access tools to move laterally across the network.
Drive-by Downloads and Malicious Websites
Medusa can also infect systems through drive-by downloads. This method involves users unknowingly downloading ransomware from a compromised or malicious website. The malicious code can be hidden in website ads, fake software updates, or injected into legitimate websites through vulnerabilities. Users with outdated browsers or plugins are particularly vulnerable.
Signs of Drive-by Downloads:
- Unexpected software installations after visiting certain websites.
- Redirects to suspicious or unknown pages.
- Pop-up messages urging users to update software such as Flash or Java.
Compromised Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
Medusa frequently targets Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections to gain access to servers and networks. Attackers look for exposed or vulnerable RDP ports, often left open on corporate networks. Once identified, they use brute force attacks or stolen credentials to access the system and deploy the ransomware.
How RDP Is Compromised:
- Weak or default passwords for remote access accounts.
- Exposed RDP ports accessible via the internet without proper security.
- Brute force or credential stuffing attacks to gain unauthorized access.
Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) and Affiliate Programs
Medusa operates as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), meaning it is available for purchase or lease by other cybercriminals on underground forums. Affiliates who acquire the ransomware spread it through various methods such as phishing, exploiting vulnerabilities, or hacking into corporate networks. Proceeds from successful attacks are shared between the affiliates (90%) and the developers (10%).
Once inside a system, Medusa operators may deploy web shells, backdoors, or other tools to establish persistence and gain further access to the network. This allows them to move laterally between systems and identify valuable targets.
Data Encryption and Exfiltration
After compromising a system, Medusa employs a combination of AES-256 and RSA-2048 encryption to lock critical files, making them inaccessible to the victim. This encryption is typically strong and difficult to decrypt without the decryption key, which is held by the attackers.
In addition to encrypting files, Medusa may also exfiltrate sensitive data, such as intellectual property, customer data, or financial records. This stolen data can be used for various purposes, including extortion, identity theft, or selling on the dark web.
Double Extortion
A common tactic employed by Medusa and other ransomware groups is double extortion. In addition to encrypting files, attackers may threaten to release stolen data publicly if a ransom is not paid. This creates a significant pressure point for victims, as the potential for data exposure can have severe reputational and financial consequences.
Ransom Negotiation and Payment
If a victim decides to negotiate with the attackers, the process can be complex and fraught with uncertainty. Ransom demands are often high, and there is no guarantee that paying the ransom will result in the decryption of files or prevent future attacks. Furthermore, paying a ransom can incentivize further attacks, as it demonstrates that victims are willing to pay for the return of their data.
Ransom Note
A file named “!!!READ_ME_MEDUSA!!!.txt” is create by the Medusa Ransomware that will give you info about how to pay and get your data back. You can see a real Ransom Note below that is showing the Medusa demand message.
WHAT HAPPEND?
- We have PENETRATE your network and COPIED data.
- We have penetrated entire network including backup system and researched all about your data.
- And we have extracted all of your networks including sub offices and your service clients networks valuable data and copied them to private cloud storage.
- We have ENCRYPTED some your files.
While you are reading this message, it means you found your files and data has been ENCRYPTED by world’s strongest ransomware.
We have access to all of your sub offices and client service networks but didn’t lock them all for your brand and privacy.
We can solve this issue sliently and smoothly without 3rd parties and we decided lock only some of your main network only.
But don’t worry, we can restore everything to the original without harming your business.There is only one possible way to get back your systems and business – CONTACT us via LIVE CHAT and pay for the special
MEDUSA DECRYPTOR and DECRYPTION KEYs, Data deletion, Keep silent in media.
This MEDUSA DECRYPTOR will restore your entire network, This will take less than 1 business day.WHAT GUARANTEES?
We can post your data to the public and send emails to your customers.
We have professional OSINTs and media team for leak data to telegram, facebook, twitter channels and top news websites. Have a look about us on twitter.You can suffer significant problems due disastrous consequences, leading to loss of valuable intellectual property and other sensitive information,
costly incident response efforts, information misuse/abuse, loss of customer trust, brand and reputational damage, legal and regulatory issues.
After paying for the data breach and decryption, we guarantee that your data will never be leaked and this is also for our reputation.YOU should be AWARE!
If you’re not in main chile office, inform your supervisors and stay calm!
We will speak only with an authorized person. It can be the CEO, top management, etc.
In case you are not such a person – DON’T CONTACT US! Your decisions and action can result in serious harm to your company!If you do not contact us within 3 days, We will start publish your case to our official blog and everybody will start notice your incident!
If you do not contact us within 5 days, We will start publish your case and leak video on all social channels and send emails to your customers!
——————–[ Official blog tor address ]——————–
Using TOR Browser(https://www.torproject.org/download/):http://medusaxko7jxtrojdkxo66j7ck4q5tgktf7uqsqyfry4ebnxlcbkccyd.onion/
CONTACT US!
———————-[ Your company live chat address ]—————————
Using TOR Browser(https://www.torproject.org/download/):http://medusakxxtp3uo7vusntvubnytaph4d3amxivbggl3hnhpk2nmus34yd.onion/[snip]
Or Use Tox Chat Program(https://qtox.github.io/)
Add user with our tox ID and wait 24h : 4AE245548F2A225882951FB14E9BF87EE01A0C10AE159B99D1EA62620D91A372205227254A9FOur support email: ( [email protected] )
Company identification hash:
Medusa’s Persistence Mechanisms
Medusa is engineered for persistence, ensuring that it remains active on infected systems for extended periods. Some of its persistence techniques include:
- System Installation: The ransomware installs itself in directories such as %AppData%\Roaming, often disguising itself under filenames that mimic legitimate system processes like svhost.exe or svchostt.exe.
- Scheduled Tasks: Medusa creates recurring tasks within Windows Task Scheduler to ensure continuous encryption of new files and persistence after a system reboot.
- Network Propagation: The ransomware spreads by targeting mapped network drives and shared folders using Windows services like LanmanWorkstation, which allows it to infect additional machines on the network.
Medusa’s Defense Evasion Tactics
To maximize its effectiveness, Medusa includes several features designed to evade detection and disable essential system services:
- Disabling Key Processes: It terminates antivirus software and important system services such as MS SQL, VMware, and Apache Tomcat to prevent interference during the encryption process.
- Obfuscation: By mimicking legitimate system processes and running under innocent-looking names, Medusa evades detection by many antivirus solutions.
Notable Medusa Ransomware Attacks
Medusa ransomware has been responsible for several high-profile attacks, targeting organizations across various industries. Here are some of the most notable examples:
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Attack
- Date: February 2023
- Impact: Encryption of data and theft of approximately 100 GB of sensitive student and faculty information.
- Outcome: Medusa demanded a $1 million ransom, which the school refused to pay. In retaliation, Medusa publicly released the stolen data.
Toyota Financial Services (TFS) Breach
- Date: November 2023
- Impact: Threat of data leak, including financial documents, hashed passwords, and organizational charts from Toyota’s European operations.
- Outcome: Medusa demanded an $8 million ransom.
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Attack
- Date: September 2023
- Impact: Compromise of over 750 GB of sensitive health information.
- Outcome: Medusa demanded a ransom of $300,000, highlighting the vulnerability of large government entities.
How to Identify Medusa Ransomware?
Medusa ransomware attacks typically leave behind clear signs that can help you identify the infection. One of the most obvious indicators is the presence of a file named “How_to_recovery.txt” in each folder containing encrypted data. This file serves as a ransom note, providing instructions on how to contact the attackers and recover your files.
Steps to Identify Medusa Ransomware:
- Look for the “How_to_recovery.txt” File:
- This file is a hallmark of ransomware and is usually found in every folder that has been encrypted. It contains crucial details for initiating communication with the attackers.
- Ensure the File Is Safe to Open:
- While the file itself is generally safe to open since it has a .txt extension, be cautious. Make sure the extension is indeed “.txt” to avoid opening anything harmful that may harm your system beyond recovery.
- Beware of Extortion Tactics:
- Attackers often employ scare tactics, threatening you with severe consequences to pressure you into paying the ransom. They might inflate the ransom amount, sometimes demanding double or even triple the original amount.
Medusa Decryptor: The Key to Unlocking Your Files
If your system has fallen victim to Medusa ransomware, there is now an effective solution available: the Medusa Decryptor. This sophisticated software tool is specifically designed to decrypt files and servers affected by Medusa and its variants, including MedusaLocker.
Using the MedusaRansomware Decryptor
The Medusa Decryptor employs advanced decryption techniques and a connection to specialized online servers to bypass the encryption mechanisms used by the ransomware. Key features of the decryptor include:
User-Friendly Interface
Even without advanced technical knowledge, users can easily initiate the decryption process thanks to the tool’s simple, step-by-step interface.
Online Servers
The decryptor requires an internet connection to access servers capable of calculating the decryption keys. These servers exploit known weaknesses in the ransomware’s encryption algorithms, making decryption possible.
Encryption Bypass
Unlike third-party tools that may risk corrupting your data, the Medusa Decryptor is specifically tailored for Medusa ransomware, ensuring safe and accurate decryption
Steps to Decrypt Your Files Using the Medusa Decryptor
To decrypt files encrypted by Medusa, follow these steps:
Contact the team to purchase the Medusa Decryptor.
Input the unique ID provided in the ransom note.
Click “Decrypt Files” to begin the process.
Once purchased, download the software and run it as an administrator on the infected device.
The decryptor requires an active internet connection to communicate with its decryption servers.
Video Guide:
Preventing Medusa Ransomware Attacks
Preventing an attack from Medusa or any other ransomware requires a multi-layered approach to security. Here are some essential steps:
- Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Emphasize the importance of using strong, unique passwords for all accounts and enabling MFA wherever possible. This significantly reduces the risk of attackers gaining access through stolen credentials.
- Employee Training: Regularly train employees on recognizing phishing attempts, suspicious emails, and social engineering tactics. Educate them on safe browsing practices and the importance of reporting any suspicious activity.
- Software Updates: Stress the importance of keeping all software (operating systems, applications, firmware) up-to-date with the latest security patches. This helps to address known vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit.
- 3-2-1 backup strategy as mentioned below
- Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to isolate critical systems and data from less secure areas. This can limit the spread of ransomware in case of an attack. 3 copies
- Air-Gapped Backups: Highlight the importance of having air-gapped backups, meaning backups that are physically disconnected from the main network. This ensures that backups are not accessible to attackers even if they infiltrate the main system. 2 back ups
- Backup Testing: Regularly test backups to ensure they are functional and can be restored successfully in case of an attack. 1 offline back regularly.
What to Do If Your Data Has Been Encrypted by Medusa Ransomware
- Disconnect Immediately: Serve your system from the network without delay. This step is crucial to prevent further spread of the ransomware and additional encryption of your data. For detailed guidance, visit our Contact Us page.
- Avoid Engaging with Attackers: Refrain from communicating with the attackers. They are skilled at manipulating inexperienced negotiators and could further exploit the situation.
- Report the Incident: Notify the relevant law enforcement authorities about the ransomware attack. This step is important for legal and investigative purposes.
- Shutdown Affected Machines: Power off the compromised system to halt any ongoing encryption processes by Akira. Leaving the system operational may result in additional data encryption.
- Seek Professional Assistance: Contact cybersecurity experts immediately for help. Timely intervention can significantly improve your chances of data recovery.
Backing up your data is essential to ensure its safety and reliability. Below is a detailed guide on how to perform backups using local, cloud, and air-gapped methods.
1. Local Backups
Step-by-Step:
Choose a Backup Device:
- External Hard Drive/SSD: Offers high capacity and fast data transfer.
- USB Flash Drive: Ideal for small amounts of data and highly portable.
- Network-Attached Storage (NAS): Best for backing up multiple computers over a shared network.
Connect the Device:
- Plug in the external hard drive or flash drive to your computer’s USB port, or ensure your NAS is connected to the local network.
Select Backup Software:
- Use built-in tools like Windows Backup or macOS Time Machine.
- Third-party options include Acronis True Image and EaseUS Todo Backup.
Configure Backup Settings:
- Choose which files or folders to back up.
- Set an automatic backup schedule (daily, weekly, etc.).
Run the Backup:
- Start the backup process using your selected software and wait for it to complete.
Verify the Backup:
- Ensure the backup’s success by browsing through the backed-up files or using the software’s verification feature.
2. Cloud Backups
Step-by-Step:
Select a Cloud Backup Service:
- Popular options include Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, or dedicated backup solutions like Backblaze and Carbonite.
Sign Up and Install:
- Create an account with your chosen service, then download and install the associated backup client or app.
Set Up the Backup:
- Use the client to select the files or folders for backup.
- Configure the backup frequency (continuous or scheduled).
Start the Backup:
- Begin the backup process. Ensure you have a stable internet connection since cloud backups require consistent connectivity.
Monitor the Backup:
- Check the dashboard or notifications for progress updates.
Verify the Backup:
- Log into your cloud service account and ensure that your files have been successfully backed up. Some services provide tools to check backup integrity.
3. Air-Gapped Backups
Step-by-Step:
Choose an Air-Gapped Backup Medium:
- Use an external hard drive or USB drive that you can disconnect from your computer after backing up the data.
Connect the Medium:
- Plug in the external drive to your computer.
Perform the Backup:
- Select files to back up using your preferred software and complete the process. Ensure that the backup is fully completed.
Disconnect and Store:
- Safely eject the drive and physically disconnect it from your computer.
- Store the drive in a secure, separate location away from your primary workstation to protect against physical threats.
Test the Backup:
- Occasionally reconnect the drive to verify that the backup is intact and can be restored if needed.
Update Regularly:
- Periodically reconnect the drive to update the backup with new or modified files.
Recovery Tips (if backups are unavailable):
- Contact Law Enforcement: Advise victims to contact law enforcement immediately after a ransomware attack. This helps authorities track attackers and potentially recover stolen data.
- Free Decryption Tools: Currently, there’s no free decryption tools available for Medusa Ransomware.
- Negotiation with Attackers: Negotiation with attackers is a risky process and there is no guarantee that they will provide a decryption key even if a payment is made.
- Medusa Decryption : you can contact our expert team for help, if your free decrypter doesn’t work for you.
Medusa ransomware remains one of the most dangerous ransomware threats in 2024, with its sophisticated encryption, network propagation, and evasion techniques. However, with the right prevention measures, including regular updates, strong security practices, and employee education, organizations can mitigate the risks. For those affected, the Medusa Decryptor offers a safe and effective solution to recover encrypted files, ensuring that businesses can get back on their feet without resorting to paying the ransom.
Other types of ransomware we’ve worked with include
Stop/DJVU
Lockbit
Akira
SEXi
El Dorado
8Base
Hunters
Dragonforce
Flocker
Monti
Rhysida
BianLian
Cactus
Underground
Darkvault
Cloak
Blackout
Spacebears
abyss
dAn0n
Clop
Blackbyte
APT73
Venus
Trigona
Trinity
Emsisoft
If you suspect a Medusa Ransomware attack or any data loss or network breach, or are looking to test and enhance your cybersecurity, our expert team is here to help.
Call us at: +447405816578 for immediate assistance
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