Medusa Ransomware Attacks: CISA, FBI, and MS-ISAC Issue #StopRansomware Advisory

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in partnership with the FBI and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), has issued a #StopRansomware advisory, warning organizations about the increasing threat of Medusa ransomware. 

Medusa, a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) variant, was first detected in 2021 and has since targeted over 300 victims across multiple critical infrastructure sectors. Industries such as healthcare, law, education, insurance, technology, and manufacturing have been particularly affected, highlighting the wide reach and severity of the ransomware’s impact.

Medusa initially operated as a closed ransomware variant, meaning its developers had full control over its deployment and operations. 

Over time, it transitioned to an affiliate-based model, allowing external cybercriminals to use the ransomware while keeping certain aspects, such as ransom negotiations, under the control of the original developers. This shift has allowed Medusa to expand its reach, increasing its effectiveness as a cyber threat. Medusa demands ransoms ranging from $100,000 to as much as $15 million. 

Like many modern ransomware variants, it employs double extortion tactics—stealing sensitive data before encrypting victim networks. This strategy puts additional pressure on victims, as attackers can threaten to leak or sell stolen data if the ransom is not paid.

Cybersecurity researchers from Symantec

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