What is Comrade.exe? Should I remove it?

Comrade.exe is a process that users who play GameSpy Comrade-dependent games may encounter on their systems

Comrade.exe is an executable file for Windows operating systems that can be found running in the background, with its primary location being C:\Program Files (x86)\GameSpy\Comrade. This file is a software component that belongs to GameSpy Comrade software by IGN Entertainment and is typically installed along with the files of video games like Crysis or Battlefield 2. As a result, users are unaware of how Comrade.exe accessed their systems and what is the purpose of it.

If installed legally, Comrade.exe is not a virus or malware-related file but would establish its own registry keys^[1] in order to boot with every launch. The application behind the executable is used to provide communication functionality for users who play various games that use GameSpy's middleware^[2] and is similar to apps like Messenger or WhatsApp. However, the services provided by GameSpy Comrade were shut down in 2013, and the application, along with Comrade.exe, is no longer supported and is not required to play the older games released prior to GameSpy's shut down.

In most cases, the file is not malicious, and users can remove Comrade.exe without putting much thought into it. For that, they would have to uninstall GameSpy Comrade platform from their systems via the Control Panel on Windows systems. However, because it is an executable file, there is always a chance that it can be malicious, as malware-related files can be named as anything hackers want.

For that reason, there are multiple Windows system or application files (like Avlaunch.exe, MsMpEng.exe, Msiexec.exe, and many others) that were mimicked by malware, and turned out to be malicious. In other words, hackers name the main executable files of malware as a process used by legitimate apps and plant it into users' machines without their permission. As a result, Comrade.exe virus may steal and transfer personal information, encrypt files, proliferate other malware, etc.

Therefore, how do you know if Comrade.exe is a legitimate file and is not a work of malware? While you can look for various infection indicators manually (for example, checking the location of the file or seeing if new scheduled tasks, registry entries, and other changes were made), the best way to find out where you are infected is by scanning your machine with anti-malware. If, due to infection, you found your Windows system damaged, you can perform a full system scan with FortectIntego and repair it.

Malware propagation methods might be primitive or advanced – protect your machine from both

Malware developers can use a variety of techniques to infect as many users as possible, examples of which include:

• Software cracks/keygens and illegal application installers;
• Exploits and software vulnerabilities;
• Fake updates encountered on malicious sites;
• Backdoors^[3] that can serve as a tunnel for other malware;
• Spam email attachments and inserted hyperlinks;
• Malicious links on social media or VoiP applications like Discord.

As a general rule, many hackers still rely on spam email attachments with embedded macro functions in order to execute the attack. In most cases, users whose email addressed were leaked during the data breach are included in a predetermined list or potential victims, although some email addresses might be generated randomly. While most malspam campaigns are executed with the help of botnets and automated tools, targeted attacks that deliver ransomware, trojans, info-stealers, spyware, and other malware are common as well.

Therefore, be careful when dealing with email spam – look at the sender's address carefully, analyze the message, and do not rush opening any attachments or clicking on links. Note that email spoofing is also a common technique used by threat actors.

Other protection measures include employing comprehensive anti-malware software, enabling a firewall, never downloading software cracks, updating Windows OS and installed programs on time, and using caution when dealing with social media links and messages.

Comrade.exe is not malicious but there is no point in keeping it on your system 

Comrade.exe removal is not necessary if the file is legitimate, although, because GameSpy Comrade platform along with its servers was shut down many years ago, there is no point in keeping it installed on your system, even though it does not use many system resources. To get rid of the software, follow these steps:

• Type in Command Prompt into Windows search and hit Enter
• Go to Programs > Uninstall a program
• Locate GameSpy Comrade entry, right-click and select Uninstall
• Follow on-screen instructions to complete the process.

However, you should remove Comrade.exe with security software if the file is connected to malware that is embedded on Windows OS. In some cases, you might have to access Safe Mode with networking, as some viruses are known to shut down anti-malware tools completely. Once there, perform a full system scan and then restart your PC. If you want to be sure that Comrade.exe is gone for sure, use multiple security tools for its removal.