What is autoclk.exe? Should I remove it?

Autoclk.exe is a process which might hide an infection

Autoclk.exe is an executable file^[1] which is a part of Autoclk MFC application. Usually, it is located in C:\Windows folder and takes up to 143 360 bytes of disk space. Unfortunately, there is no information about all of its features. Although, experts warn that hackers might use the name of this process to hide malicious programs on the system. 

According to the experts, the regular Autoclk.exe file is not malicious itself and can be the following sizes depending on the Windows OS:

• Most commonly takes up to 143,360 bytes of disk space;
• 147,456 bytes on Windows 10;
• 176,128 bytes on Windows 8;
• 122,880 bytes on Windows 7;
• 118,784 bytes on Windows XP.

However, any executable file can be abused by cybercriminals. Malware is known for the ability to replace, mimic or duplicate a legitimate file. Keep in mind that Trojans, spyware, keyloggers and other malicious programs can operate silently in the background under the same name as Autoclk.exe. 

Note that Autoclk.exe is not essential for Windows OS. This executable file has no visible display Window. Likewise, it becomes harder for novice computer users to identify this process or its imposter. If hackers exploit this .exe file, your system might be infected with the following cyber threats:

• Crypto-mining malware;
• Banking Trojan;
• Spyware, etc.

Usually, the easiest way to identify Autoclk.exe virus is to check the Task Manager and active processes. If this executable file uses more CPU power than any other regular process, you should take precautionary measures to protect your computer. 

Even though this application file is not related to an essential Windows process, we still advise you to rely on automatic Autoclk.exe removal. In some cases, it becomes nearly impossible to detect sophisticated cyber threats which are mimicking the appearance of innocent processes.

Thus, remove Autoclk.exe with FortectIntego or another reliable antivirus. This way you will be sure that you will not damage your PC's system even more and get rid of all malware-related components which might be hidden on your computer. It is essential to eliminate the virus completely. Otherwise, the infection might reappear.

You can get infected by opening spam emails

Spam emails and their often safe-looking attachments are most common when it comes to methods of spreading threats online. Cybercriminals are highly advanced in social engineering^[2] techniques. Thus, they take advantage of reckless computer users who tend to download and open unsafe content online. 

Often spam emails look legitimate because they include innocent-looking attachments with the following file extensions:

• .doc
• .pdf
• .jpg

However, such deceptive email attachments are only a part of the plan. Hackers create letters supposedly coming from well-known companies and introduce their victims to invoices, shopping receipts, or other innocent content attached to the email. Developers hide behind big names and make everything look legitimate, so it is easier to lure people into opening these letters. And the moment you download and open the attachment you get intruders on your PC.

Terminate Autoclk.exe process 

Autoclk.exe removal is vital if this process has a negative effect on your device. This executable file is not malicious itself. Although, any vulnerabilities might attract other threats to your PC. Likewise, NoVirus.uk^[3] team advises you to take precautionary measures to protect your system.

If you are sure you need to remove Autoclk.exe, use anti-malware tools that are capable of doing a full system scan. This file can be related to other threats, and system scan helps to detect, locate and delete them. FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are the ones we can recommend.