What is nc.exe? Should I remove it?

nc.exe is an executable file which belongs to NetCat computer networking utility

nc.exe is a process which is responsible for writing to and reading from network connections by NetCat. This Computer network utility is using Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) which allows completing numerous different actions. NetCat is considered to be a back-end which can be managed by other programs or used directly. Even though TCP/IP employed by nc.exe is used for network testing, software capabilities might be abused by the cybercriminals.

Researchers notify that nc.exe is an executable file with might perform numerous different actions on the system. Keep in mind that it does not display any visible window. Thus, users might not even notice that nc.exe is operating on the computer unless it is detected running in the Task Manager. 

Some of nc.exe features are the following:

• Port scanning;
• Port listening;
• File transferring;
• Proxying;
• Requesting HTTP. 

If nc.exe is used for IT-related purposes, the file is not dangerous. Although, cybercriminals might either exploit it as a backdoor or use its name to disguise malware. Therefore, users must be extremely cautious and do not ignore any suspicious activity on the computers if nc.exe process is running. 

Keep in mind that it is essential to check how much CPU nc.exe is using. In case the numbers are abnormally high, there is a substantial risk that the system is being exploited for malicious purposes. As a result, you must get a professional antivirus to remove nc.exe and protect your PC. FortectIntego is an excellent choice. 

If you delay nc.exe removal, you may not be able to avoid malware attack. Be aware that if criminals use it as a backdoor, your system might end up damaged permanently. Such cyber threats are programmed to infiltrate the targeted computers with more malicious programs. 

Legitimate-looking software might disguise malware

Usually, cybercriminals which abuse the names of safe processes to hide malware are distributing them on unprotected file-sharing sites. Most of them appear to be on peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. Likewise, users who search for how to obtain paid software for free might be tricked to install malicious programs unconsciously. 

Furthermore, some potentially dangerous applications enter the system via malvertising. In other terms, systems are infected once the user clicks on a bogus ad which triggers an automatic infiltration of malware. Thus, users should not only rely on verified websites only but also avoid clicking on unreliable commercial content online. 

Final tips to protect your computer against malware are the following:

• Use an antivirus software;
• Keep the security tool and your operating system updated;
• Run regular system scans for viruses.

Ways to get rid of nc.exe process running in the Task Manager

Note that this process has no visible window once it is running. Likewise, it might be hard to locate and start nc.exe removal for inexperienced computer users. However, there are ways how to make the procedure faster and easier. 

For that, we suggest you to remove nc.exe automatically with a professional malware removal tool. Our experts recommend using FortectIntego or Malwarebytes as they are not only effective but reputable as well. Refrain from trying to eliminate cyber threats manually as you might damage your system.