What is IMG001.exe? Should I remove it?
IMG001.exe may be a harbinger of ransomware
IMG001.exe file is identified as a potentially malicious file by the majority of anti-virus tools. Though it may be detectable as a trojan or other sort of malware, it is not known which actual virus it is related to. It might be well related to a new campaign of Locky which now emerged in the form of Lukitus or Diablo6[1].
The malware is detectable as 3MB[2] size file or even 3 GB[3] file. It is not associated with any ordinary Windows process nor a legitimate program. According to its type, it serves as an executable to launch a command. The shady title also sparks doubts about this file. However, you do not have to waste time on its identification as it is labeled as malware.
Some users have identified that the malicious facilitates crypto-mining processes. It infects a server and then corrupts the computers using the corrupted server. Here are some of them:[4]:
- TCP: mine.moneropool.com:8080
- TCP: mine.moneropool.com:3336
- TCP: xmr.hashinvest.net:443
- TCP: xmr.hashinvest.net:5555
- TCP: monero.crypto-pool.fr:3333
- TCP: monerohash.com:5555
The analysis revealed that it might be related to It might be also related to ransomware or, specifically, Locky, which terrorized the Facebook community last year with image SVG file, you should make a rush to remove IMG001.exe. You can identify it in the Task Manager and end its process.
Distributing malware
Since the file wanders in the form of an executable file, you will hardly find wandering in a bare form. Most likely, you will get find the file wrapped in an email attachment. Take a look at the Malware section which elaborates more about ransomware and their transmission tendencies.
You should especially treat emails with caution which are supposedly sent from the official institutions such as FBI or the US Office of Personnel Management. Felons may also pretend to be the representatives of local companies or tax institutions.
Nonetheless, such emails often contain several flaws:
- grammar mistakes
- typos
- no full credential or logo
- the sender’s address domain does not match with the official
Note that malicious .exe files might be also named as invoices or the notifications about undelivered packages. Remember that felons aim to persuade you into opening the corrupted file. They will urge you to review the file immediately.
Terminate IMG001.exe file
If the file did not start its malicious activity yet, launch the Task Manager with CTRL+ESC+Shift. Look for IMG001.exe, right-click on it and choose End Task. In case this method does not work, run a security tool, for instance, FortectIntego or Malwarebytes. Depending on the malware type, you might also launch the software in Safe Mode and complete IMG001.exe removal.
- ^ Olivia Morelli. Criminals behind Locky and Mamba ransomware are back in business. 2-spyware. News, reviews and malware removal guides.
- ^ http://www.file.net/process/img001.exe.html. File. Windows 10/7/8 forum.
- ^ Eris the Griffon. I mean... seriously. Why the hell would you copy a 3.6 GB file named "IMG001.exe" onto your computer, then run it?. Twitter. Online source for communication and news.
- ^ Обновленный вирус IMG001.exe - УЖАСЫ!. MMO Dev. The forum about game servers.