Flubo Ransomware
A ransomware infection dubbed Flubo has been detected in active attack campaigns. This threat is developed to infect computer operating systems by installing malicious files without generating any notifications. Its presence on an infected PC can be noticed at the end of its attack – when it is too late for taking some prevention steps. The moment its ransom message (HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt) appears somewhere on the system, it means that the ransomware has successfully encrypted your personal files and renamed their names with the .flubo extension. Since ransomware infections like Flubo tend to use complex cipher algorithms for data encryption, these programs leave files completely inaccessible.
Even though hackers insist on paying them a hefty ransom fee, we advise you to avoid following their instructions and try to remove malicious files from the infected PC with the guide that follows.
Flubo Ransomware Summary
| Name | Flubo also known as Trojan/Win32.Xorist.R25524, Trojan.Ransom.AIG, Trojan.TR/Ransom.Xorist.EJ, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Xorist.lk, Ransom:Win32/Sorikrypt.A |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Ransom Note | HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt |
| Short Description | Severe malware that is designed to encrypt valualbe files stored on compromised computers so that it can then extort ransom fee from victims. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and their named are changed to randomly generated characters followed by the malicious extension .flubo Ransom message extorts a payment for files recovery. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by Malware Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Flubo Ransomware. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Flubo Ransomware – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
The Flubo ransomware is a malicious program that has been released in the wild. As reported, the threat is based on the code of the Xorist ransomware.
Similar to previous iterations of Xorist ransomware, Flubo is likely to try to obtain access to computer operating systems via freeware installers, fake software updates, email attachments, advertisements, etc.
The moment the payload file of Flubo ransomware runs on a target operating system, it becomes able to download and execute additional malicious files needed for the following attack phases.
A long sequence of malicious operations happens to enable the ransomware to establish harmful files on the PC, evade detection, misuse system functionalities, and eventually encode target types of files.
Ransomware like Flubo has one main goal and it is to blackmail victims into paying a ransom fee. The ransom fee, however, can be requested by the threat only after it corrupts some files that are likely to store important information.
This issue occurs after a cipher module is activated by the Flubo virus. During data encryption, the ransomware applies complex changes that leave files inaccessible. The only way for access to their information is via the decryption process.
Until their code is reverted back to its original state, files corrupted by Flubo ransomware will appear with an extension of the same name appended to their initial names. Unfortunately, all of the following types of files may appear as .flubo files in an event of infection with this cryptovirus:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
The moment the Flubo virus is ready with the encryption phase, it will replace the desktop background with a laughing meme face. In addition, it will drop a file that contains a ransom message. This message could be found in a text file named HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt. You can see a copy of the text stored by this file:
Attention! All your files are encrypted!
To restore your files and access them,
send 500$ of bitcoin to the bitcoin address (3DtXX8D7EMV9oi5cd2WBcA9EH8wukf5sBJ)After you send the money to the address , send an email with a proof to the email address (anon_bot666@protonmail.com) and we will give you the decryption key!
You have 3 attempts to enter the code.
When that number has been exceeded,
all the data irreversibly is destroyed.
Be careful when you enter the code!
We know that you need to restore .flubo files but we advise against transferring money to cybercriminals. Your files may not get recovered, and nobody could give you a guarantee for that. Adding to that, giving money to cybercriminals will most likely motivate them to create new ransomware viruses or commit different criminal activities.
For the sake of your security, we recommend you to clean your computer from present malicious files and wait for an eventual release of a free decryption tool. Meanwhile, you may want to consider the help of alternative data recovery methods.
Remove Flubo Ransomware Virus and Attempt to Restore Data
The so-called Flubo ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that heavily damages both essential system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system securely again is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For this purpose, you could follow our step-by-step removal guide.
In the event that you want to attempt to restore .flubo files with the help of alternative data recovery methods, do check the step – Try to Restore files encrypted by Flubo Ransomware. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before you begin with the recovery process.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for Flubo Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Flubo Ransomware and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Flubo Ransomware on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Flubo Ransomware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Flubo Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Flubo Ransomware.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Flubo Ransomware aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Flubo Ransomware-FAQ
What is Flubo Ransomware Ransomware?
Flubo Ransomware is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Flubo Ransomware Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Flubo Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Flubo Ransomware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Flubo Ransomware is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Flubo Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Flubo Ransomware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Flubo Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Flubo Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Flubo Ransomware files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Flubo Ransomware Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Flubo Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Flubo Ransomware files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Flubo Ransomware Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Flubo Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Flubo Ransomware how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Flubo Ransomware ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
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