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What is .LNK File?
An LNK file is a Windows system file and a shortcut file.
LNK files redirect and point to another file, folder, or program.
This means that it is stored in the form of ones and zeros.
This format makes the LNK files ideal for hackers to infiltrate target systems.
We have also discussed this further in this post.
InWindows 10and11, LNK files can be usually seen on your desktop.
Simply double-select it to run it, and it will launch the target object.
you could then paste this path into File Explorer to pop swing open the target folder.
How to Create a .LNK File
.LNK files are shortcut files.
you might only create them on a Windows computer by creating a shortcut.
This will now create a shortcut for the selected object, which will be a .LNK file.
Hackers share compressed or archived files with end users that look harmless.
But opening those files instantly injected their PCs with malware using .LNK files which created backdoors for the attackers.
That said, not all LNK files are threats.
So how do we know whether the .LNK file is legitimate or a trojan horse?
One way is to inspect the target object.
you’ve got the option to check the target app through the LNK files properties.
Remember to also check whether the target object is within the directory it is supposed to be.
Heres an example:
This LNK shortcut is running a code instead of opening a legitimate target object.
At times, there is no way to tell if a .LNK file is legitimate or a virus.
This is because the Target field has a limit of only 260 characters.
However, the true target object is so long that it cannot be seen.
The attacker pads several spaces or newline characters before the malicious argument making it invisible to the naked eye.
The only way to tell if this .LNK file is legitimate is by using parsers and other security tools.
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