Medusa Ransomware: A Threat Actor Using Public Shaming to Drive Payments
- Neil Hare-Brown
- Apr 15
- 2 min read
The Medusa ransomware group has gained attention for combining traditional file encryption with intense public pressure tactics, including countdown timers and public “name and shame” leak sites.
Their aim? To force businesses into paying quickly by putting reputations and regulatory obligations on the line.
STORM Guidance supports businesses affected by ransomware groups like Medusa, helping them recover securely, assess exposure risk, and manage the wider impact of an attack.
How Medusa Ransomware Works
Medusa uses a double extortion model: they encrypt business-critical systems while simultaneously exfiltrating data. What sets them apart is their leak site—where victim organisations are listed publicly, often with a timer counting down to full data release.
A typical Medusa attack involves:
Initial access via phishing, stolen credentials, or vulnerable services
Privilege escalation and lateral movement within the network
Data exfiltration of sensitive or regulated information
File encryption using robust encryption techniques
Public exposure threats via the Medusa blog, where non-paying victims are listed
This strategy ramps up urgency, putting victims under pressure from customers, regulators, and the public.
Who BianLian Targets
BianLian has targeted organisations across the US, UK, and Australia, with a focus on:
Healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure
Mid-sized to large enterprises with large datasets
Organisations with undersecured remote access points
Victims are typically chosen based on their perceived willingness or ability to pay.
Who Is Medusa Targeting?
Medusa has been known to target:
Healthcare organisations, schools, and government entities
SMEs and enterprises with limited in-house cyber capability
Organisations in sectors where public trust is crucial
Victim selection suggests a focus on maximum leverage—where reputation damage could be worse than operational downtime.
How to Defend Against Medusa Ransomware
Preventing a Medusa attack means focusing on both technical security controls and data governance. We recommend
✅ Applying security patches regularly to close known vulnerabilities
✅ Using multi-factor authentication on all user accounts
✅ Segmenting networks to limit the impact of lateral movement
✅ Monitoring for large or suspicious outbound data transfers
✅ Backing up critical systems securely and testing recovery plans
✅ Preparing a data breach communication and response strategy
If You've Been Attacked by Medusa
If your organisation is facing a Medusa ransomware incident:
Isolate affected systems immediately to stop further damage
Retain any ransom notes and network logs for forensic analysis
Avoid communicating with the attackers before speaking to experts
Begin preparing legal, regulatory, and communications responses
STORM Guidance can support your business with:
✔ Technical containment and ransomware response
✔ Guidance on ransom strategy, legal risk, and public disclosure
✔ Secure system recovery and resilience improvement
✔ Crisis communications and stakeholder management
Medusa: Ransomware with a PR Strategy
Medusa isn’t just about data encryption—it’s about leveraging pressure from all sides to force your hand.
With tactics designed to push reputational buttons, this group reminds us that ransomware is no longer just a technical threat—it’s a business crisis.
STORM Guidance is here to help you face it with clarity, speed, and confidence.
