MUO on MSN

This tiny Windows shortcut file is a bigger security threat than you think

They can be very powerful. Shortcuts can execute commands, load external DLLs, and run hidden scripts—all without the user realizing. This versatility is what makes them a handy yet dangerous tool for ...
CSO Online

Windows shortcuts’ use as a vector for malware may be cut short

A third-party patch management company is cutting short attackers’ use of LNK files to smuggle in malicious commands, while ...
The Hacker News

Microsoft Silently Patches Windows LNK Flaw After Years of Active Exploitation

In other words, these shortcut files are crafted such that viewing their properties in Windows conceals the malicious ...
Bleeping Computer

Malicious Windows 'LNK' attacks made easy with new Quantum builder

Malware researchers have noticed a new tool that helps cybercriminals build malicious .LNK files to deliver payloads for the initial stages of an attack. LNKs are Windows shortcut files that can ...
Cybernews

Despite Microsoft’s secret patch, LNK loophole remains viable for hackers to deliver malware

Microsoft has released a patch for link (LNK) files. However, it does not stop hackers from abusing them to deliver malware.
Dark Reading

North Korean APT Gets Around Macro-Blocking With LNK Switch-Up

North Korea's APT37 threat group is providing fresh evidence of how adversaries have pivoted to using LNK, or shortcut files, to distribute malicious payloads after Microsoft began blocking macros by ...