How to remove Adobe Ransomware and decrypt .adobe files

What is Adobe Ransomware

Adobe Ransomware, also known as the Adobe virus, is a type of malicious software that belongs to the Dharma ransomware family. This cyber threat predominantly targets Windows operating systems, aiming to encrypt sensitive user files, rendering them inaccessible. Once the system is compromised, Adobe Ransomware appends specific file extensions to the affected files, most commonly .adobe or .adobee, in addition to a unique identifier and an email address of the attackers. As a sophisticated ransomware variant, it typically employs robust encryption methods, often relying on asymmetric encryption algorithms. This means that files are locked with a unique key that is stored on a remote server controlled by the attackers, making unauthorized decryption without their intervention nearly impossible. The attackers usually emphasize the importance of contacting them for decryption, creating a daunting scenario for victims. Upon successful encryption, victims are presented with a ransom note contained within a text file labeled FILES ENCRYPTED.txt, which is generated during the attack. This note includes a message indicating that all files have been locked due to a security issue and instructs victims to contact the cybercriminals at a specified email address to negotiate a ransom payment, typically demanded in Bitcoin.

Unfortunately, as with most ransomware threats, there are no reliable free decryption tools available for .adobe files; the only recognized strategy for recovering these files involves contacting the attackers, which is typically fraught with risks, as they may not provide the promised decryption tool even upon receiving payment. For those who find themselves affected by this ransomware, the best approach to mitigate potential data loss is to maintain regular backups on offline storage and seek professional data recovery services, as attempts to use third-party decryption tools could lead to further complications, including irrevocable data loss.

How Adobe Ransomware infects computers

Adobe Ransomware, part of the notorious Dharma ransomware family, typically infiltrates computers through various deceptive methods that exploit user behavior and system vulnerabilities. One of the most common vectors is phishing emails containing malicious attachments disguised as legitimate documents, such as Microsoft Office files or PDFs. When users unwittingly open these attachments, the ransomware executes, initiating the encryption process on their files. Additionally, the ransomware can spread through fake software updates, where users are tricked into downloading rogue applications instead of genuine updates, or via trojans that facilitate further infections. Cybercriminals often utilize untrustworthy download sources, such as peer-to-peer networks and freeware sites, to distribute infected software. Once inside a system, Adobe Ransomware aggressively encrypts files and demands a ransom for their recovery, leaving victims in a precarious situation.

1. Download Adobe Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .adobe files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Adobe Ransomware

Adobe Ransomware files:


FILES ENCRYPTED.txt
{randomname}.exe


Adobe Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .adobe files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .adobe files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .adobe files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Adobe Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .adobe files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Adobe Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Adobe Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro