How to Stop Dangerous FileFix Attacks From Destroying Windows Computer?

Why Is Your Windows PC Vulnerable to Terrifying FileFix Malware Attacks?

I need to tell you about a serious threat to your Windows computer. FileFix attacks can slip past your security without you knowing. But don’t worry – I’ll show you exactly how to stop them.

What Makes FileFix So Dangerous

This attack is sneaky. It uses a trick with how Windows saves web pages. When you save a webpage, your browser doesn’t mark it as potentially unsafe. This means Windows Security won’t check it properly.

Here’s what happens:

• You visit a bad website
• The site tricks you into saving it as a special file type (.hta)
• When you open that file, malicious code runs
• Your computer gets infected

The scary part? Windows doesn’t see it coming. The attack bypasses the Mark of the Web feature that’s supposed to protect you.

How Criminals Trick People

Bad actors are clever. They might:

• Send fake emails that look real
• Ask you to save “important” security codes
• Make the file name look harmless
• Hide the dangerous .hta extension

One common trick involves multi-factor authentication codes. They tell you to save your backup codes with a specific name that ends in .hta. You think you’re being safe, but you’re actually downloading malware.

Your Defense Strategy

I recommend a layered approach. Multiple barriers work better than one.

Stay Away From Bad Websites

This is your first line of defense. Use these browsers:

• Chrome with Enhanced Protection turned on
• Microsoft Edge
• Firefox

These browsers warn you about dangerous sites. They use AI to spot threats in real-time.

Learn to spot phishing emails. Look for:

• Spelling mistakes
• Urgent language
• Links that don’t match the sender
• Requests for personal information

Make File Extensions Visible

Windows hides file extensions by default. This helps the attack work. Change this setting:

1. Open File Explorer
2. Click the three dots (See more)
3. Select Options
4. Go to the View tab
5. Uncheck “Hide extensions for known file types“

Now you’ll see if a file is really .html or if someone changed it to .hta.

Change How .hta Files Open

By default, .hta files run automatically. Change this so they open in Notepad instead:

1. Go to Windows Settings
2. Click Apps, then Default Apps
3. Search for “.hta”
4. Click on Microsoft HTML Application host
5. Choose Notepad
6. Click Set default

Now if someone tricks you into downloading a .hta file, it will just open as text. No harm done.

Disable the HTML Application System

For maximum protection, turn off the system that runs .hta files completely:

Important steps:

1. Go to C:\Windows\System32
2. Find mshta.exe
3. Rename it to mshta.exe.disabled
4. Repeat in C:\Windows\SysWOW64

You need administrator rights for this. Most people don’t use .hta files anyway, so this won’t hurt your daily computer use.

Additional Protection Tips

Keep these security habits:

• Update Windows regularly – Microsoft might fix this vulnerability
• Keep Windows Security enabled – It might catch some attacks
• Use strong antivirus software – Extra protection never hurts
• Back up your files – If something goes wrong, you won’t lose everything
• Be suspicious of download requests – Think twice before saving files from websites

FileFix attacks are real and dangerous. But you’re not helpless. These simple changes create strong barriers against this threat. Take action now – your digital safety depends on it.

Remember: security isn’t a one-time thing. Stay alert, keep learning, and update your defenses regularly. Your computer will thank you for it.