Most common virus file extensions

Most computer users are familiar with the. Below is a list of the most common compressed file extensions. When making an image of a disc or other media , all of the contained files are saved to an image file.

Below are the most common disc image file extensions. A data file could be any file, but for this list, we've listed the most common data files that relate to data used for a database, errors, information, importing, and exporting.

Below is a list of the most common file extensions for e-mail and related files. The most common executable file are files ending with the.

However, other files can also be run by themselves or with the aid of an interpreter. Below are the most common file extensions used with fonts. There are many different image types and image file extensions that can be used when creating and saving images on the computer.

Below is a list of the most common image file extensions. The Internet is the most used resource on the computer and because web servers supply the files, there are many different file extensions utilized. Below are a list of the most common file extensions on the web.

Image file extensions , video file extensions , and other extensions listed on this page could also be included with these file extensions mentioned below. Join , subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Most people know that. There are a variety of other potentially dangerous file extensions — more than you might expect.

Even screen saver files can be dangerous on Windows. When you encounter one of these files, you should take extra care to make sure that you are protected. Obviously you should always have your anti-virus software running and active, and protecting you in the background — but knowing more about some uncommon file extensions can be useful in preventing something bad from happening.

These file extensions are potentially dangerous because they can contain code or execute arbitrary commands. Media files — like. JPEG images and. There have been some cases where a maliciously crafted image or other media file can exploit a vulnerability in a viewer application, but these problems are rare and are patched quickly. EXE — An executable program file.

Most of the applications running on Windows are. PIFs the same as. EXE files if they contain executable code. MSI — A Microsoft installer file. These install other applications on your computer, although applications can also be installed by. MSP — A Windows installer patch file. Used to patch applications deployed with.

MSI files. SCR — A Windows screen saver. Windows screen savers can contain executable code. Unlike HTML applications run in browsers,. HTA files are run as trusted applications without sandboxing. All of the utilities found in the Windows Control Panel are.

CPL files. Applications such as the group policy editor and disk management tool are. MSC files. JAR —. JAR files contain executable Java code. If you have the Java runtime installed,.

JAR files will be run as programs. BAT — A batch file. They are often delivered as an unknown e-mail attachment that will run when opened. An SCF file is a Windows Explorer command used to perform an action such as moving up or down a directory or showing the Desktop.

It can be run via Internet Explorer. The danger: Since the file is a Windows Explorer command file it can be used to tell Windows Explorer to execute commands that are dangerous to your computer.

An SCR file is a screensaver file for Windows used to display vector graphic or text animations, play slide shows, animation, or videos, and may include sound effects when a computer is inactive for a customized period of time. The danger: Screensaver files contain executable code, which makes it possible for programmers to hide malicious code inside them.

Since SCR files are commonly used for screensavers, it can be difficult to recognize a malicious one. It can also be used as a shortcut to an executable file, much like an. LNK file. Therefore, a PIF file can be used to transmit viruses or other harmful scripts.

In this digital age, malware is always a threat. You may be a target, whether you know it or not. Microsoft security experts highlight that it is not typical for regular files to have two extensions.

If you see such a file in your system, do not open it and proceed towards seeking professional anti-malware help. Even theoretically, some files are more dangerous than others. For example, text. An important fact to remember: media files —. MP3 — do not contain code and thus, they are considered less dangerous in the sense of malware distribution.

In that relation, knowing exactly which files can be exploited by cyber criminals is extremely important. As you may have guessed, those are the files that contain code.

According to their exact type, the files can be compiled in four groups: programs, scripts, shortcuts, and Office macros. However, apps can also be installed by.

MSP — A Windows installer patch file that is employed to patch applications used with. MSI files. BAT — A batch file that contains a list of commands that run when the file is open.

JS — A JavaScript file typically used by web pages. They are safe if used in Web browsers.