.EXE Executable File Virus Email Attachments
Online users, do not open email attachments with file extensions or names ending with ".exe". This is because cybercriminals are sending out fake emails to potential victims with a malicious Microsoft Windows Executable file (.exe) attached. The fake emails have a deceptive message, which instructs the recipients to open the same attached malicious Windows file. But, any attempts to open the attached malicious ".exe" file will result in the recipients' computers getting infected with a virus, spyware, ransomware or other malware. Therefore, online users are asked not to open email attachments with names ending with ".exe", even if the email messages appear to have been sent from someone they know, or a legitimate organization
A Sample of a Fake Email with a Malicious “.exe” File Attached
FW: Swift Payment Invice
Mon 1/8/2018 1:10 PM
From: Mancini, Catherine
Attachment: Ezekiel virus.exe (104 KB)
Good day,
Please find the attached payment document from our bank.
Kindly confirm when you receive payment in your bank account..
I am in charge of payment and purchases not. my colleague is out of office.
Attached is your corresponding invoice which has been settled
Un saludo/Best regards
Tamara Escolar
Technical Service Administrative Assistant
e-mail: support@jasco-spain.com
The malicious attachment (.exe) contains a malware called “Backdoor:Windows/Adwind” that installs a malicious component or codes onto your computer, which opens a backdoor on it. Once the backdoor is open on your computer, the cybercriminals behind the malicious email message will be able to access your computer silently, infect your computer with other malware, steal your information, and may use your computer to commit other cybercrimes that will be traced back to your computer. If this should happen to you, do not be surprised if one day you see the police at your doorsteps with a warrant to search your home and confiscate your computer, because some form of online criminal activities, which you know nothing about, were traced back to your location and computer.
Most antivirus software will detect and remove the malicious attachment before it infects your computer. But, the smart thing to do, is to delete the email message.
Online users who have received the fake email messages and have been tricked into opening the malicious “.exe” attachment are asked to do a full scan of their computers with their antivirus software.
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Note: Some of the information in samples on this website may have been impersonated or spoofed.