This article explains the issues that occur when .adobe files virus infects a target system. It also provides a step-by-step guide on how to remove malicious files and how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware.
The .adobe files virus is yet another ransomware that belongs to STOP ransomware family. Various versions of the same threat have been circling around the net for quite some time. In case that .adobe files virus has managed to infect your system, your access to some of the most important files of yours will be restricted. This is due to changes applied to their original code. As a consequence of this impact, hackers attempt to blackmail into paying a ransom fee.
Threat Summary
| Name | .adobe Files Virus (STOP) |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts valuable files stored on the compromised computer. Then asks for a ransom payment in cryptocurrency. |
| Symptoms | Some of your files appear with the extension .adobe in their names. You cannot opened them. A ransom note loads on screen to extort a ransom fee. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .adobe Files Virus (STOP). |
| 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. |
.adobe Files Virus (STOP) – Distribution
There are several channels that may be used for the distribution of STOP .adobe ransomware. Among them the most preferred ones is the so-called malwspam. It is a technique that enables hackers to deliver malicious on computer devices with the help of email messages.
Where malware is usually presented is in a file attachment or URL address. In addition, emails’ senders often present their selves as representatives of legitimate businesses or well-known services.
The main purpose of these emails is to trick you into opening the corrupted file or link on your device as this action is needed for the ransomware payload to load on your system. A variety of common file types such as documents, PDFs, images could be transformed into carriers of ransomware code.
These files are often presented as the following:
- Invoices coming from reputable sites, like PayPal, eBay, etc.
- Commonly used financial documents sent by your bank.
- An online order confirmation note.
- Receipt for a purchase.
- Others.
Malware authors may be also using compromised sites to spread this variant of STOP ransomware infection. This method enables them to upload the ransomware configuration file to a compromised web page and set its automatic execution every time a user visits this page.
.adobe Files Virus (STOP) – Overview
The nasty infection STOP ransomware has been released in active attack campaigns once again. This time hackers modified it to append the extension .adobe to corrupted files’ names. And here is where the name of this threat ( .adobe files virus )originates.
Like its predecessors, .adobe files virus is designed to interfere with settings of essential system components in an attempt to reach data encryption infection stage. When first loaded on a target computer system, the payload of this ransomware initiates a long sequence of malicious activities beginning with the creation of additional malicious files. As malicious files locations, .adobe STOP ransomware could choose some of the following system folders:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
Once the threat establishes all needed files on the system, it starts executing them in a predefined order. By doing this, it becomes able to plague various system components without being detected by active security measures. Affected is likely to be the registry key Run as manipulation of its functionalities could enable the automatic execution of .adobe files virus on each system start.
Another registry key called RunOnce is also likely to be among the targets of .adobe ransomware. Since this key is designed to immediately load all files and objects listed under it, the threat could add there the file name of its ransom note. This, in turn, will result in the automatic display of the note on the screen. In case that you want to find and open this note by yourself, you should search for a text file called _openme.txt
And here is a list of exact registry key locations you should check for malicious entries:
→ 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
As of the ransom message we mentioned, once you open it the following text could be presented:
———————————————- ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED ———————————————–
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files documents, photos, databases and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees do we give to you?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information
Don’t try to use third-party decrypt tools because it will destroy your files.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours.—————————————————————————————————————————
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
Your personal ID:
[redacted 43 alphanumeric characters]
Apparently, the purpose of this message is to extort a ransom payment for the recovery of corrupted .adobe files. However, beware that even a successful ransom payment does not guarantee the recovery of your files. There is always a chance that hackers will send you broken decryption key or skip sending you any reply.
The good news is that the security researchers Michael Gillespie managed to crack the code of many STOP ransomware stains which resulted in the release of a free decryption tool. Currently, the tool is known to support versions .puma, .pumax, .pumas, .djvu, .djvuq, .djvur, .djvut, .djvuu, .pdff, .tfude, .tfudeq, .tro, .udjvu, .tfudet, .rumba. Since the nasty .adobe files virus is a strain of the same ransomware you can attempt to decode your files by downloading the tool via the Decryption Tool link here. The tool requires a pair of an original file and its encrypted version.
In case this new STOP ransomware version is not supported by the decrypter, you could attempt to restore .adobe files with the help of the alternative methods explained in our removal guide.
.adobe Files Virus (STOP) – Encryption Process
For purposes of data encryption, .adobe STOP ransomware utilizes a combination of two sophisticated cipher algorithms (RSA and AES). What these algorithms do are series of modifications that transform the code of target files so they could become inaccessible. In order to make its victims more prone to pay the ransom, .adobe files virus encrypts files like:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
Following encryption, you will see all your corrupted files marked with the extension .adobe
The .adobe cryptovirus is also likely to be able to perform the following command in order to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies:
→ vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
The execution of the above-stated command strengthens the effect data encryption process as it eliminates one of the prominent ways to restore your data.
Remove .adobe Files Virus (STOP) and Restore Data
The STOP ransomware version associated with .adobe extension is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So you should properly clean and secure your infected system before you could regularly use it again. Below you could find a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove this ransomware. Choose the manual removal approach if you have previous experience with malware files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps select the automatic section from the guide. Steps there enable you to check the infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few mouse clicks.
In order to keep your system safe from ransomware and other types of malware in future, you should consider the installation of a reliable anti-malware program. As an additional security layer that could prevent the occurrence of ransomware attacks you could install an [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/the-most-popular-free-anti-ransomware-tools/”]anti-ransomware tool.
If you want to understand how to potentially fix encrypted files with the help of alternative data recovery approaches, make sure to read carefully all details mentioned in the step “Restore files”. We remind you that before you begin with the data recovery process, you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive as this will help you to prevent their irreversible loss.
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 .adobe Files Virus (STOP) with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .adobe Files Virus (STOP) 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 .adobe Files Virus (STOP) 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 .adobe Files Virus (STOP) 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 .adobe Files Virus (STOP)
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .adobe Files Virus (STOP).
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 .adobe Files Virus (STOP) 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.
.adobe Files Virus (STOP)-FAQ
What is .adobe Files Virus (STOP) Ransomware?
.adobe Files Virus (STOP) 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 .adobe Files Virus (STOP) 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 .adobe Files Virus (STOP) Infect?
Via several ways..adobe Files Virus (STOP) 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 .adobe Files Virus (STOP) 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 ..adobe Files Virus (STOP) files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..adobe Files Virus (STOP) 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 ..adobe Files Virus (STOP) files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..adobe Files Virus (STOP)" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..adobe Files Virus (STOP) 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 .adobe Files Virus (STOP) 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 .adobe Files Virus (STOP) ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..adobe Files Virus (STOP) 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 .adobe Files Virus (STOP) 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 .adobe Files Virus (STOP) Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .adobe Files Virus (STOP) 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 .adobe Files Virus (STOP) 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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