Description
Windows shortcut (LNK) files are a type of file that contain a reference to another file or program on a computer. They are commonly used to create shortcuts to frequently used programs or files on the desktop or in the Start menu.
Cyber attackers and advanced persistent threat (APT) groups have been known to abuse LNK files as a means of gaining initial access to a system and spreading ransomware. One common technique is to send a malicious LNK file as an attachment in a phishing email. When the recipient clicks on the LNK file, it can execute a malicious script or program that installs the ransomware on the victim’s computer.