RansomwareRemoval Guide

ADAGE Virus Removal Guide (+Decode .id[********-****].[helpteam38@protonmail.com].adage files) – Phobos Ransomware

ADAGE – General Info

The ADAGE mean a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Phobos ransomware family. ADAGE was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. ADAGE adds the “.id[********-****].[helpteam38@protonmail.com].adage” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by ADAGE, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.id[********-****].[helpteam38@protonmail.com].adage“. As soon as the encryption is completed, ADAGE places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by ADAGE text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the Phobos family. It actually mentions that the info is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism used by ADAGE is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of ADAGE is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds related to ADAGE ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

Nonetheless, irrespective of the asked for amount, people need to keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not provide any positive outcome and people just lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We highly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and absolutely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack ADAGE ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Thus, the only right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameADAGE Ransomware
File Extension.id[********-****].[helpteam38@protonmail.com].adage
TypeRansomware
FamilyPhobos
Short DescriptionThe ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special id[********-****].[helpteam38@protonmail.com].adage extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to ADAGE ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt essential data and to state the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to generate the unique decryption key for files decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your important data is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are a number of ways used by online scams to distribute ADAGE ransomware. Even though it is uncertain how precisely ADAGE injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unknown senders;
  • websites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically ADAGE virus might exist as some genuine software application, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some important software application updates. This is the common trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing ADAGE infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals may describe various email spam strategies to inject malicious codes into copmuter. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in ADAGE virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain harmful codes resulting in ADAGE secret installation. Finally, injection of ADAGE may occur by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up malicious tools without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of ADAGE ransomware?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to show with you. Firstly, be very mindful when you browse the web and especially while downloading free programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be harmful. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to vital damage to be made for your system. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your Windows.

Screenshot of files with “.id[********-****].[helpteam38@protonmail.com].adage” extension added by the ransomware:
ADAGE Ransomware - encrypt files with .id[********-****].[helpteam38@protonmail.com].adage extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove ADAGE ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Start

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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4 Comments

  1. hi Daniel,
    Do you know if by now there is an decryptor for the adage ransomware? I really have a big problem and I do need to decprypt just 4 files to save my job.
    Please let me know.
    kind regards,

    Paul Zimmerman

      1. Se tiverem encontrado a forma de descriptografar eu também tenho vários arquivos importantes esperando uma solução.

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