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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- Guide 1: How to Remove .adobe Files Virus (STOP) from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of .adobe Files Virus (STOP) on Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove .adobe Files Virus (STOP) in Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase .adobe Files Virus (STOP) from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall .adobe Files Virus (STOP) from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove .adobe Files Virus (STOP) from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate .adobe Files Virus (STOP) from Internet Explorer.
- Guide 8: Disable .adobe Files Virus (STOP) Push Notifications in Your Browsers.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
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, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on .adobe Files Virus (STOP)?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the .adobe Files Virus (STOP) threat is backed with VirusTotal https://www.virustotal.com/gui/home/upload.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
References
1.Browser Redirect – What Is It?
2.Adware Is Malicious, and It Uses Advanced Techniques to Infect
3.The Thin Red Line Between Potentially Unwanted Programs and Malware
4.The Pay-Per-Install Affiliate Business – Making Millions out of Adware
5.Malicious Firefox Extensions Installed by 455,000 Users Blocked Updates
How to Remove .adobe Files Virus (STOP) from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .adobe Files Virus (STOP)
Step 2: Uninstall .adobe Files Virus (STOP) and related software 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 uninstall most 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:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for .adobe Files Virus (STOP) with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Removal Guide for .adobe Files Virus (STOP) (Windows).
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Get rid of .adobe Files Virus (STOP) from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall .adobe Files Virus (STOP) and remove related files and objects
1.Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3.In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to .adobe Files Virus (STOP):
4.Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5.In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to .adobe Files Virus (STOP). If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to .adobe Files Virus (STOP). Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove .adobe Files Virus (STOP) via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as .adobe Files Virus (STOP). If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove .adobe Files Virus (STOP) files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as .adobe Files Virus (STOP), the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for .adobe Files Virus (STOP) (Mac)
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Remove .adobe Files Virus (STOP) from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2:Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Erase .adobe Files Virus (STOP) from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Uninstall .adobe Files Virus (STOP) from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Remove .adobe Files Virus (STOP) from Safari.
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the .adobe Files Virus (STOP) will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Eliminate .adobe Files Virus (STOP) from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications caused by .adobe Files Virus (STOP) from Your Browsers.
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
.adobe Files Virus (STOP) FAQ
What is .adobe Files Virus (STOP)?
The .adobe Files Virus (STOP) threat is adware or browser redirect virus. It may slow your computer down siginficantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What are the symptoms of .adobe Files Virus (STOP)?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your computer for viruses.
What types of Unwanted Programs are there?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to do if I have a "virus" like .adobe Files Virus (STOP)?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most adware or unwanted program threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them from your browser and computer. One reccomended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you. There are many anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter is one of the reccomended anti-malware apps, that can scan your computer for free and detect any viruses, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps and eliminate them quickly. This saves time when compared to doing the removal manually.
How to secure my passwords and other data from .adobe Files Virus (STOP)?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our website, where you can also ask any questions and comment underneath the articles about your computer problems. We will try to respond as fast as possible.
