If you have ever noticed a process called Wsnm.exe running on your Windows computer, you might have wondered what it is and whether it is safe or not. In this blog post, we will explain what Wsnm.exe is, what it does, and whether you should remove it or not. We will also show you how to check if Wsnm.exe is fake or not.
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What is Wsnm.exe?
Wsnm.exe is a legitimate executable file that belongs to the Windows operating system. It stands for Windows System Notification Manager and it is responsible for displaying various notifications on your desktop, such as updates, security alerts, battery status, network connection, etc. Wsnm.exe is usually located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder and its size is about 40 KB.
Should I Remove Wsnm.exe?
The answer is no, you should not remove Wsnm.exe from your computer. As we mentioned, it is a genuine Windows file that performs an important function for your system. Removing or deleting Wsnm.exe could cause problems with your notifications and other system features. Moreover, Wsnm.exe is not a virus or malware, so there is no need to worry about its security.
However, there are some cases where malicious programs can disguise themselves as Wsnm.exe and try to infect your computer. These fake Wsnm.exe files are usually located in different folders than the original one and have larger sizes. If you suspect that you have a fake Wsnm.exe on your computer, you should scan your system with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free and remove any threats that are detected.
How do I check if Wsnm.exe is fake?
One way to check if Wsnm.exe is fake or not is to use the Task Manager. You can open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard and selecting Task Manager from the menu. Then, look for Wsnm.exe in the Processes tab and right-click on it. Select Properties from the context menu and check the Location field. If the location is different from C:\Windows\System32, then you might have a fake Wsnm.exe on your computer. You can also check the Size field and compare it with the original size of 40 KB.
Another way to check if Wsnm.exe is fake or not is to use a file analysis tool such as VirusTotal. You can upload the Wsnm.exe file to VirusTotal and see if it detects any malware signatures or suspicious behaviors. VirusTotal will scan the file with multiple antivirus engines and give you a report of its findings. If VirusTotal flags the file as malicious, then you should remove it from your computer as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Wsnm.exe is a normal Windows process that handles your system notifications. You should not remove it from your computer unless you are sure that it is a fake one. To avoid any confusion, you can check the location and size of Wsnm.exe on your computer using the Task Manager or a file analysis tool such as VirusTotal. We hope this article helped you understand what Wsnm.exe is and whether you should remove it or not.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Stelian Pilici
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
