What is inet.exe? Should I remove it?
Inet.exe – an executable which creates libraries in PC's memory but can be misused by crooks
Inet.exe is an executable file[1] which is a software component that was developed by Microsoft.[2] It belongs to the Windows operating system and has a purpose of running DLLs and placing them in the computer's memory. This file is necessary for efficient and successful OS work, so it should never be terminated. However, executable files such as Inet.exe can harm your computer system if misused by cybercriminals and use to hide malware. If so, this file becomes malicious and can perform various damaging actions.
Name | Inet.exe |
---|---|
Category | System file |
Purpose | To run DLLs and place libraries in the computer's memory |
Created by | Microsoft |
Runs on | Windows OS |
Misusing | Various criminals might try to misuse the name of this file to hide harmful payload on victim's computer |
Removal | Use FortectIntego to decide if Inet.exe is malicious |
Some malware can use the Inet.exe file to camouflage itself on the computer. If the executable file can be found in other location, not C:\Program Files folder, it can be used for the following malicious actions:
- Collect various keyboard inputs;
- Run malicious apps;
- Hide from the victim;
- Send various data to a remote server.
Various executables are necessary components of the computer's system, and Inet.exe is one of them. However, many of them can be misused by cybercrooks. If you spot suspicious activity on your computer and can find several Inet.exe files running in the system's background, double check it with security software. Additionally, pay attention to the file's direction. If it can be found where it should not appear, we strongly advise scanning your computer with an anti-malware tool such as FortectIntego. However, you can feel free to use any other security software which will scan your computer system and detect various threats if there are some.
Moreover, if the executable appears to be a virus-related component, you need to perform the Inet.exe removal from your computer system as soon as you can. Use the same anti-malware software for this purpose. Manual elimination is not recommended as the malicious file might leave various damaging components behind, which require full removal. Otherwise, the virus might not vanish completely and keep on harming the system.
Malicious files can come in various ways
According to IT specialists[3], various executable files can be misused by cybercrooks to hide malware's presence on the system. For that, hackers rely on different techniques. The most common ones are:
- Misleading emails. Various spam messages might signal about dubious or even harmful content. If you are not expecting to receive anything important, there is a big chance that the phishing email might be sent for illegal purposes. If it is a malicious .exe file, it will usually come attached to the email message. DO NOT open such attachment as it might launch the virus straightly to your computer system;
- Rogue software installers. Various freeware and shareware that you install with third-party installers can come including hidden components. Sometimes, they can be malicious, e.g. a virus-related executable file. What you need to do is visit the Custom or Advanced section and opt-out all questionable downloads that are waiting to proceed.
To sum up, if you avoid opening various dubious attachments, use original installers, regularly check your downloads, and stay away from questionable sites, you might avoid a big range of computer infections. Moreover, it is strongly advisable to install computer security software.
Eliminate Inet.exe file if malicious
If you have discovered that the executable file is malicious, you need to remove Inet.exe virus from your computer system as soon as possible. Manual elimination is not possible for this case as it might be too hard for a starter which does not have enough experience in such difficult situations. Use programs such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes.
Make sure that you scan the executable with an antivirus before eliminating it. In some cases, you might get mistaken and accidentally delete the original good variant of the file. However, if the antivirus detected that it is malware, you should perform the Inet.exe removal from your computer without any hesitation if wanting to avoid further damaging consequences. Moreover, perform system backups after you complete the deletion.
- ^ Executable file. Computer Hope. Free computer help since 1998.
- ^ Microsoft. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ SemVirus.pt. SemVirus, Cybersecurity news and malware removal.