Fake Windows 11 installer puts malicious software on your PC

Windows 11 InstallSource: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central

Windows 11 will come out later this year, but people want to try out the new operating system now. Unfortunately, attackers have taken advantage of the excitement around the OS. Kaspersky reports that a fake Windows 11 installer is making its way around the web. If people fall for the fake, it can download adware, malware, and other malicious programs on PCs.

One attack utilizes a file by the name of “86307_windows 11 build 21996.1 x64 + activator.exe.” This 1.75GB file launches a program that looks like a Windows installation wizard. That’s an immediate red flag, as Windows updates go through the Settings app of a PC and don’t look like app installers.

As explained by Kaspersky, the first executable file then downloads and runs a second executable file that has a license agreement. If you agree to the terms presented, the program will download malicious software onto your PC.

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