What is winsys.exe? Should I remove it?

WinSys.exe – a potential trojan that can steal users' personal data 

WinSys.exe is an executable file which is usually associated with MSI DOT (Dynamic Overclocking Technology) software package and is used on Windows operating systems, including 10/8/7/XP. By default, the file is located in C:\Windows\System32  and ranges between 135kB and 309kB in size. Unfortunately, the filename is often associated with trojan horses like Trojan.Lydra and Backdoor.Death.

Executable files are necessary because they allow Windows to perform certain tasks which would enable the system to operate correctly. Without them, the operating system would not be able to run or even start. Nevertheless, executables can also be used by cybercriminals who inject malware into them, and WinSys.exe is no exception.

Although the initial file is used by video cards to process games and other GPU intensive tasks, the process running in the Task Managers can be an indication of malware infection. The virus usually enters the machine via spam emails or is downloaded from malicious sites. As soon as its presence is established, WinSys.exe virus modifies Windows Registry by creating “TCPIP route manager” entry and attempts to communicate with a remote server. The modifications to the system allow the backdoor trojan to start with each PC boot.

This way, malware is capable of recording every keystroke that is used when the user is logging into the operating system, accessing the email account or using his bank account details to pay for the purchase online. Thus, users can experience significant money loss or might have their identities stolen. In this case, it is important that users remove WinSys.exe using reputable security software as soon as possible. Security experts recommend FortectIntego or Malwarebytes.

The tricky part is that trojan horses are tough to spot, as they rarely emit any symptoms at all. In some cases, however, a user may experience the following behavior:

• Increased CPU or/and GPU usage;
• Program crashes or freezes;
• Stop errors;
• Increased amount of advertisement;
• Overall slowdown of the PC.

Since these symptoms can be connected to hardware wear-and-tear, users can skip them and never even consider malware infection. In the meantime, WinSys.exe virus can steal every bit of information it can find and send it to cybercrooks. What is more, it can open the door to other malware, such as keyloggers, ransomware or crypto-mining viruses.

Trojan horses can hide inside cleverly presented spam emails

There is no doubt that nobody would intentionally install malware onto their PC, as it can cause major disruption in proper device operation, steal sensitive information, as well as make personal files inaccessible. Therefore, cybercriminals use deceptive techniques to lure users into installing viruses themselves. In other words, users get scammed.

The most effective method of spreading trojans is by delivering them via contaminated phishing emails. Bots send out thousands of emails which include a malicious payload. In other cases, these emails can contain a fraudulent hyperlink that automatically downloads and installs malware.

Therefore, you should be extremely careful when viewing emails from unknown sources. Be aware that attachments usually come in various formats, such as .doc, .html, .pdf, .zip, and may look legitimate, but contain malicious code which is executed as soon as you open these files.

Remove WinSys.exe is security software detects it

As trojan horses emit little to no symptoms, it might be not that easy to detect and remove WinSys.exe virus. The best practice would be to perform regular system scans and back-up your files from time to time. This is because Trojans are often used to deliver ransomware – a type of malware that can lock up your data and demand ransom for the decryption key.

WinSys.exe removal should not be attempted manually, as it can cause significant damage to your already compromised operating system. Instead, perform a full system scan using FortectIntego or Malwarebytes, or any other anti-virus software.