Home Malware Programs Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) Win32.LocalInfect.2

Win32.LocalInfect.2

Posted: October 27, 2014

Threat Metric

Threat Level: 8/10
Infected PCs: 32
First Seen: October 27, 2014
Last Seen: July 21, 2019
OS(es) Affected: Windows

Win32.LocalInfect.2 is a heuristic detection for threatening software, and sometimes may be tied to viruses or Potentially Unwanted Programs. Win32.LocalInfect.2 may apply to many types of legitimately threatening software, but Win32.LocalInfect.2 also may be a common detection for false positives, AKA, incorrect threat detections that implicate safe files. If you've any uncertainty about the authenticity of a Win32.LocalInfect.2 warning, use updated anti-malware tools to confirm or debunk the potential threat detection, and, then, remove Win32.LocalInfect.2.

A Localized Threat that may not be What It Looks Like

Win32.LocalInfect.2 is a detection for threats that reside within seemingly-harmless files. Win32.LocalInfect.2 may present any number of symptoms or none whatsoever – and may apply to both PUPs and low to high-level threats to your PC. Threatening circumstances where Win32.LocalInfect.2 is most likely detectable may include:

  • When installing in a threat format, Win32.LocalInfect.2 may infect unrelated EXE files on your PC by injecting its code into them automatically. Threats should be contained by restricting their access to other files, including files accessed via networks or removable devices. Minor increases in file sizes may be the only symptoms of a Win32.LocalInfect.2 virus-based infection.
  • However, Win32.LocalInfect.2 also may be a common detection for unwanted software that bundles with other programs. Adware, search engine hijackers and toolbars are common Potentially Unwanted Programs that may identify as Win32.LocalInfect.2. They usually are not threats but may be disadvantageous to your PC's browser security.

In the most harmless circumstances, malware researchers also have seen Win32.LocalInfect.2 occur as a false positive, or an incorrect threat flagging of a safe file. Files that malware analysts see flagging as Win32.LocalInfect.2 infections include some net traffic analysis utilities from Sourceforge, TheBrain software, and Minecraft modding tools. These programs ordinarily don't pose a threat to your computer.

Determining What to do with Your Version of Win32.LocalInfect.2

Win32.LocalInfect.2 should be treated differently, based on the circumstances of its detection. If other anti-malware programs detect threats related to Win32.LocalInfect.2 or you notice symptoms of attacks against your PC, you should delete Win32.LocalInfect.2 as a security risk. Anti-virus and anti-malware products may be employed as necessary to delete Win32.LocalInfect.2, without any harm to files infected by Win32.LocalInfect.2 (when in a 'threat' format). Threatening Win32.LocalInfect.2 and other threats may be disguised as piracy-related software, such as fake plugins for the Nintendo console emulators.

Similarly to the above solution, adware and other PUP-based Win32.LocalInfect.2 alerts should be resolved by appropriate anti-PUP security tools. Freeware sites known to traffic in PUPs are the most likely culprits of Win32.LocalInfect.2 PUP installations. If you believe that your Win32.LocalInfect.2 warning is a false flag, send a report to the relevant security company, and update your threat database. Most false positives may be resolved merely by using updated security software to identify all threats with the utmost accuracy.

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