What is .Adame files virus .Adame files virus is also known as .Adame ransomware and encrypts users’ files while asking for a ransom.
The .Adame files virus is a new release of the Phobos ransomware family aiming to infect as many computer users as possible. It is being developed by an unknown hacking collective and once it is installed on a given computer it will lead to numerous dangerous system changes. After all included modules have finished running the encryption phase will be run. Finally the .Adame extension will be applied to all affected files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Adame |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer machine and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly restore them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will blackmail the victims to pay them a decryption fee. Sensitive user data may be encrypted by the ransomware code. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Adame. |
| 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. |
.Adame Virus — Update February 2020
The .adame virus has been recently found in an active attack campaign which features some changes in the sequence and functionality of the ransomware. It is dropped by a Visual Basic script which means that possible infections are done by interacting with web sites and emails. In most cases this is caused by falling victim to phishing campaigns that can use both email messages and hacker-made sites. The new samples are confirmed to provide for a network connection module — it is possible that the virus will allow the criminals to execute Trojan commands. If such behavior is embedded the hackers can access data on the contaminated machines, take over control and install other malware.
The .Adame files virus appears to be changing tactics over time as victims have reported that the newer versions show different sequences of commands. A new sample which is just a few weeks old shows that instead of focusing merely on the user data the .Adame ransomware is also encrypting system data and valuable files such as the following:
- Windows Configuration Files
- Restore Files
- Driver Files
All of this shows that the hackers who are responsible for the ongoing infections have found out that it is likely more effective to target such data first before moving on to disrupt the stored user data on the system. Any changes to critical security data can make it very difficult to use the computers and may also prevent some of the security software from attempting to remove it effectively.
.Adame Files Virus — Update August 2019
The .Adame files virus is being currently spread in a worldwide attack campaign through several large-scale distribution techniques. Numerous reports indicate that the campaign is set to infect as many victims as possible in a global attack. What’s particularly interesting about this threat is that it is one of the most popular Phobos-based strains which is currently adopted by the hackers.
The virus has been shown to propagate across various mediums and being linked in a number of payload sources: external hard drives, flash drives, network shares and etc. Once uploaded in a network by an attacker the .Adame virus can propagate freely and infect as many victim devices as possible.
.Adame Files Virus – Detailed Description
The .Adame files virus is a new version of the Phobos ransomware which means that it is likely being spread by an experienced hacking group.
Like other similar threats, it can be used in an attack campaign that is spread across multiple distribution techniques. One of the most popular attack methods is to send out phishing tactics that rely on sending out email messages that are reminiscent of bulk SPAM. An alternative is to create dangerous web sites that are designed to appear as commonly opened addresses and web portals. Both the emails and the sites are hosted on domains that sound very similar to legitimate ones, they also include self-signed or stolen security certificates.
In order to infect more victims the hackers can embed the necessary code into file carriers:
- Setup Packages — The .Adame files virus can be made part of many installers of popular applications. This means that the infections can be made by downloading packages of various software including the following: productivity tools, graphics software, utilities, office programs and etc.
- Infected Documents — The other popular mechanism is the creation of macro-infected documents which can be of all popular file formats: documents, spreadsheets, presentations and text files. Whenever they are opened by the victims a pop-up prompt will appear asking the users to enable the built-in code in order to correctly view the document. If this is done so the .Adame files virus infection will begin.
Other distribution methods that are widely used by the victims include the embedding of the necessary code into malicious web browser plugins which will be uploaded to the relevant repositories using fake user reviews and developer credentials. Any virus-related files can also be shared freely among criminals and Internet users on file-sharing networks such as BitTorrent.
.Adame Files Virus – What Does It Do?
As soon as the .Adame files virus infection is made an installation sequence will be started. It will likely be very similar to previous Phobos ransomware viruses by starting a data harvesting process — it will search for information that can expose the identity of the victims and also generate a profile of their machines. This is used to carry out crimes like identity theft and financial abuse. The generated hardware profile can be used with another module in order to create an unique ID that is assigned to each host. Furthermore a security bypass can be made part of the .Adame files virus engine. They will rely scan the system’s memory and hard disk for any installed security software and bypass or entirely delete them. This step includes the likes of anti-virus programs, sandbox and developer environments, virtual machine hosts and firewalls.
The system settings that usually follow from other similar Phobos ransomware can include the following actions:
- Boot Options Changes — The .Adame Files virus can be programmed into starting every time the computer boots. In certain cases it can also block access to the recovery boot options thus rendering most manual user removal guides non-working.
- Windows Registry Changes — The ransomware can effectively reprogram existing values found within the Windows Registry or create new ones specific for the .Adame file virus. This can lead to the inability to launch certain features and programs, data loss and may also experience severe performance issues.
- Payload Delivery — The .Adame files virus infection can be used to infect the victim hosts with other threats: Trojans, hijackers, miners and etc.
When all components have finished running the actual file encryption will begin. Based on a built-in list of target file type extensions. The most popular ones are the following: multimedia files, documents, backups, databases, restore points and etc. Once this process has completed all victim files will be renamed with the .Adame extension. The users will be blackmailed into paying the hackers a decryption fee through an automatically-generated ransom note.
The .Adame Files Virus is a cryptovirus programmed to encrypt user data. As soon as all modules have finished running in their prescribed order the lockscreen will launch an application frame which will prevent the users from interacting with their computers. It will display the ransomware note to the victims.
You should NOT under any circumstances pay any ransom sum. Your files may not get recovered, and nobody could give you a guarantee for that.
The .Adame Files Virus cryptovirus could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
If your computer device was infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on through to find out how you could potentially restore your files back to normal.
Remove .Adame Files Virus
If your computer system got infected with the Adame virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for Adame with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Adame 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 Adame 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 Adame 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 Adame
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Adame.
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 Adame 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.
Adame-FAQ
What is Adame Ransomware?
Adame 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 Adame 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 Adame Infect?
Via several ways.Adame 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 Adame 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 .Adame files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Adame 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 .Adame files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Adame" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Adame 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 Adame 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 Adame ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Adame 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 Adame 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 Adame Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Adame 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 Adame 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.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.
thanks for the explanation and instructions to remove the ADAME virus and possibly save some infected files. I´ve tried it with the “Stellar data recovery Professional Version” and it worked with some files. Unfortunately, it was unable to restore .txt files – text was only in crypto signs…
I hope that the Technical-Version could restore some of my txt files ;-)
I also tried to completely rebuild the system (with bootable usb stick), but unfortunately the virus prevented it. Do you have a tip for me how I can still format the hard drive to reinstall the latest version of Win 10?
Would be happy for every little tip.
THX Verena from Austria
Hi Verena,
Most likely, boot options are overwritten. Hence, the virus is not fully removed. You should remove it first before attempting to re-install the OS, because in many cases the virus stays even after a re-installation of the system. Thus, the most secure way to remove a ransomware virus is to use an anti-malware program.
Also note that re-installing your OS will make most Data recovery programs useless, as everything on the system will be irreversibly gone.
Let us know what happens next.