FLAMINGO ransomware – a file-locking virus that demands a ransom in Bitcoins to decrypt victims' files
Flamingo ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts victims' non-system files on infected computers and demands a ransom in cryptocurrency Bitcoins (BTC) to decrypt the data. Immediately after a payload file of the virus lands on a targeted computer – the encryption process is set in motion. All victims' personal files, like MS Office documents, archives, photos, videos, etc., are locked and appended with a complex three-part extension: 1. criminal email address in brackets; 2. victim ID in brackets; 3. original filename; 4.FLAMINGO appendix. Three-parts appended extensions isn't a new feature, it also was used in recent ransomware like Acuff, CryLock, and RXD.
As soon as the Flamingo virus encryption procedure is completed, ransom notes, named #READ_ME.TXT, are created in all folders with infected files (the whole message can be seen below this paragraph). Within these ransom notes, creators of FLAMINGO ransomware specify unique victims ID and provide two email addresses (FlamingoRans@tutamail.com, FlamingoRans@protonmail.com) to establish contact.
The second one should be used only if the cybercriminals don't respond when victims send an infected file for test decryption. This is a method with which perpetrators try to assure the owners of encrypted files that they possess the necessary decryption tools. The ransom amount isn't specified, only that it ought to be transferred using cryptocurrency BTC. Paying Flamingo ransomware virus creators is not the best solution.
| name | FLAMINGO ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware |
| Ransom note | #READ_ME.TXT is generated in all virus affected folders |
| Appended file extension | An intricate three-part extension is appended to all non-system file, consisting of criminal email addresses, prescribed personal victim ID and .FLAMINGO appendix |
| Criminal contact details | Two emails provided to make contact: FlamingoRans@tutamail.com and FlamingoRans@protonmail.com |
| Infection aftermath | All non-system files are renamed and locked |
| malware removal | To remove FLAMINGO ransomware users should use a reliable anti-virus software |
| system health | Once Flamingo ransomware removal is done, users should perform a full system health check with a powerful system tune-up tool like FortectIntego |
Contacting and meeting the demands of the creators of FLAMINGO ransomware, or any other malware, isn't a good option, no matter how bad you want your encrypted files back. The FBI advises[1] to never pay the criminals as this only encourages them and fuels their future plans and attacks. Also, there's absolutely no guarantee that you will receive the promised decryption key after you have paid the requested amount.
Instead of dealing with the cybercriminals, users should focus on their systems' wellbeing by deleting the virus and doing a complete health check. Step one – remove FLAMINGO ransomware with reliable anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner and MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Proper antivirus applications will protect you from future attacks if you keep them updated.
The second step is meant to take care of your system's well-being after Flamingo ransomware removal. Cryptoware is known for alternating system files and settings that could lead to the failure of your device, such as overheating, severe lag, etc. To remove all changes with a push of a button, experts[2] advise using the FortectIntego tool.
Developers of the FLAMINGO virus, enclosed this message in their ransom demanding notes:
||||||||—-[ All your data is encrypted by a strong encryter called FLAMINGO ]—-||||||||
============= # Unique ID : –
============= # E-mail : FlamingoRans@tutamail.com####################################
” PLEASE BE CAREFUL ” :
if your data is important to you, And you want to make a payment, be sure
to send us a test file first(3 Mb),And make sure we have the ability to
open your files(Decrypt test files).So first send the test file to prove
that we can decrypt your files, Then make a payment (Buy BTC) and receive the
decryption tool (Send Decrypter).####################################
If you do not receive a reply after sending us an email,
please send an email to the second email address.
second E-mail : FlamingoRans@protonmail.com####################################
Avoiding cyber criminals on the internet
Nowadays, it could seem a tall task to avoid cybercriminal created malware, but we're here to help, so read thoroughly, and you might be lucky enough to evade those perpetrators.
The first step is to acquire dependable antivirus software, like the aforementioned apps in the first paragraph. Constantly updating their virus database might save you from a huge headache.
The second step is to avoid malicious file-sharing platforms and websites, like The Pirate Bay, BitTorrent, etc. Cybercriminals love to hide their infectious creations there.
The third step – avoid opening hyperlinks in emails if you're not 100% sure who sent them. These hyperlinks might lead to malicious websites where different kinds of malware[3] could be hidden.
And the final step – avoid downloading any email attachments without scanning them with powerful anti-malware software first. Cybercriminals send out a bunch of spam emails containing infected files.
System restore and FLAMINGO ransomware virus removal guidelines
Like we advised in the first paragraph, users should be focusing on virus elimination and system health. To remove FLAMINGO ransomware, we suggest using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes reliable anti-malware applications that will automatically locate the virus and all its allocations and delete it. The longer any malware stays in a device, the more harm it could do.
Leaving FLAMINGO ransomware removal behind them, users should tend to their system health. To restore any changes that were done to your system settings/files while the cryptovirus was in it, use the FortectIntego app.
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