Adventurer ransomware is a dangerous crypto-virus that locks victims’ files by appending the .adventurer extension and delivers a ransom demand named README.TXT. This malware spreads through infected email attachments, torrent sites, pirated software, malicious ads, and tech support scams. Victims cannot access their files without a decryption key, making it a serious cybersecurity threat.
Threat Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Threat type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker |
| Encrypted file extension | .adventurer (with unique ID appended) |
| Ransom note file name | README.TXT |
| Associated email address | adventurer@mailum.com |
| Detection names | Avast: Win32:MalwareX-gen [Ransom]; ESET-NOD32: Filecoder OOW variant; Kaspersky: Trojan‑Ransom.Win32.Generic; Microsoft: Trojan:Win32/FileCoder.ARAE!MTB; Combo Cleaner: Dump:Generic.Ransom.BlackLockbit.A |
| Symptoms of infection | Files renamed and inaccessible; ransom note displayed on desktop |
| Damage | All files encrypted; additional trojans can install; irreversible without decryption key |
| Distribution methods | Email attachments, pirated software, tech support scams, torrents, malicious ads |
| Danger level | Very high |
| Removal tool | SpyHunter (download here) |
Ransom Note Text
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted.
You will not be able to decrypt it yourself! The only way to recover your files is to buy a unique private key.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.
To make sure that we have a decryptor and it works, you can send an email to: and decrypt one file for free. But this file must not be of any value!
Do you really want to recover your files? MAIL: adventurer@mailum.com
Session: Download the (Session) messenger (https://getsession.org) You fined me: “0521cec653f…bb029”
Attention!
- Do not rename encrypted files.
- Do not try third-party decryptors—they may corrupt your data or increase ransom.
- We’ve been in your network long—we have your data. Delay and we’ll begin phase two.
- You have 24 hours. Otherwise your data will be sold and published.
Detailed Threat Evaluation
How I Got Infected
Adventurer can infect systems through everyday behavior like opening malicious email attachments, downloading cracked software from torrent sites, clicking deceptive ads, or falling victim to tech support scams. Once it’s inside, it encrypts files silently in the background.
What It Does
The ransomware locates documents, pictures, and other files, encrypts them using strong algorithms, and changes their names to filename.{unique ID}.adventurer. After encryption, it drops the README.TXT ransom note, blocking access and threatening public data leakage. It may also install additional malware to steal credentials or spread further.
Should You Be Worried?
Absolutely. The encryption is strong and there’s no known free decryptor available. Victims are coerced into paying with a ticking 24-hour deadline, with threats of blackmail and further damage. Even if you pay, there are no guarantees of file restoration. Plus, the malware may lurk on your system, ready to strike again.
Manual Ransomware Removal Guide
Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).
Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet
- Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.
Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode
For Windows Users:
- For Windows 10, 11:
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig, and hit Enter. - Go to the Boot tab.
- Check Safe boot and select Network.
- Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
- Press Windows + R, type
- For Windows 7, 8:
- Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
- Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
- Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.
Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes
For Windows Users:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
- Right-click on the process and select End Task.
For Mac Users:
- Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
- Look for unusual processes.
- Select the process and click Force Quit.
Step 4: Delete Malicious Files
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%, and hit Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Navigate to:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\RoamingC:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\LocalC:\Windows\System32
- Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.
For Mac Users:
- Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
- Type
~/Library/Application Supportand delete suspicious folders. - Navigate to
~/Library/LaunchAgentsand remove unknown.plistfiles.
Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings
For Windows Users:
Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SoftwareHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
- Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
- Right-click and select Delete.
For Mac Users:
- Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
- Navigate to
~/Library/Preferencesand remove malicious.plistfiles.
Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
rstrui, and hit Enter. - Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
- Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
- Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.
Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)
- Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.
Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup
- If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.
Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter
If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter
Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Open the downloaded file (
SpyHunter-Installer.exe). - Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
- Once installed, launch SpyHunter.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click on Start Scan Now.
- SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
- Wait for the scan to complete.
Step 4: Remove Detected Threats
- After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
- Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.
Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)
If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.
Step 6: Restore Your Files
If your files are encrypted:
- Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
- Restore from cloud storage or external backups.
Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks
- Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
- Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
- Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
- Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
- Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.
Conclusion
Adventurer ransomware is a potent cyber threat: high-encryption, aggressive blackmail tactics, real-time network infiltration, and strong pressure tactics. Recovery without backups or paying (which is not recommended) is virtually impossible. Prioritize scanning your system with SpyHunter to fully remove the infection, and restore data only from secure, clean backups.
