Freefilesync Malware | Should I Need to Remove It?

Some user has reported finding malicious activity on the FreeFileSync program. They claimed that their security tools are continuously detecting this as a threat. Is it true? Is FreeFileSync really malicious for the device? Don’t think about these questions, we’ll search for the answer to these questions on this topic. So, let’s start;

What is FreeFileSync.exe?

The FreeFileSync.exe is an executable file of the FreeFileSync program, which is used for file synchronization and backing up important files of a device. It is able to help the user to store the backups for essential files and for this reason it had got popularity around the world. FreeFileSync.exe executable file is located on C:\Program Files\FreeFileSync\. Despite helping the user to back up files easily, it can cause a few issues on the device. These issues can lead the user to face difficulties.

Despite not being a Windows System file, the FreeFileSync automatically launched by the Windows Task Scheduler after installation. This program is digitally signed, and this seems suspicious for a program that is digitally signed.

Is FreeFileSync Malware?

Though FreeFileSync is not a type of malicious threat, some malicious threats can camouflage themselves as FreeFileSync. Especially when located on the C:\Windows\System32 folder. Malicious threats can cause various issues on the device, including stealing personal information and physical damage to the device. So, you need to be aware while installing, downloading, or using FreeFileSync.

The earlier version of the FreeFileSync program was packaged with OpenCandy which is a malicious module that is marked as a major threat to any device. Also, the FreeFileSync has a notoriety of containing PUPs and adware. And you know how malicious these threats could be for a device. You can use some other backup and synchronization program instead of it.

What is OpenCandy?

Produced by SweetLabs, OpenCandy is an adware module or PUP. It is designed to be bundled with the installer of other legitimate programs. This design enables OpenCandy to covertly install on the device with a legit program. Also, it consists of the Microsoft Windows Library, which enables it to incorporate into the installer.

Almost all the security tools (antivirus, anti-malware, etc.) and system protection utility classify OpenCandy as PUP or adware. Some of them also classify it as a virus or malware. Technically, the OpenCandy is not a virus or malware, but it has rootkit capability that allows it to dive deep beneath the OS files.

The OpenCandy has a notoriety for browser hijacking and tampering with the user preferences, tracking, and keeping records of the browsing activity of the infected device. It can simply mess with the user experience of the infected device.

Should I Need to Remove FreeFileSync?

As you know, the FreeFileSync can contain some threats that are malicious for the device. You may decide to uninstall it, but hold on a moment; the FreeFileSync is safe to use now. Officially, it has confirmed that it is no longer using OpenCandy and other malicious threats. Despite that, you have to be aware while downloading or installing it. Always use the official site to download or install the FreeFileSync and never install the older versions of it. Else, it is possible to get infected by OpenCandy.

How to Remove OpenCandy from an Infected Device?

The OpenCandy is a major threat, and you need to get rid of it as soon as possible after detecting it on the device. It is not a hard business to kick out OpenCandy from an infected device, you just need to follow some methods to completely remove it from a device. Here are the methods that can help you to remove OpenCandy from an infected device;

1. Remove OpenCandy and Other SweetLabs Related Programs

Uninstalling OpenCandy and other SweetLabs programs will stop these programs to operate. Which will help you to completely remove OpenCandy from the infected device. You can follow these below-described steps to uninstall it from your device;

Step-1

Press the Windows + R key on the device to open the Run Dialog Box. Type appwiz.cpl in the Run Dialog Box and hit enter to open the Programs & Features window of the Control Panel.

Step-2

From the Programs and Feature window, locate and click on OpenCandy as well as other programs from SweetLabs. Now, click on Uninstall to start the uninstallation process. You can only uninstall one program at a time.

2. Clear all the OpenCandy Adware Through an Anti-Adware Tool

The anti-adware cleaner is designed to clear the adware from a device, including the OpenCandy adware. You have to use a third-party anti-adware tool for removing OpenCandy adware. To do so, you need to download and install an advance leveled anti-adware utility. After completing the installation process, open the anti-adware utility and run a full scan. This will detect all the existing adware of the device, including OpenCandy adware. Remove all the detected malware from the list.

3. Use Junkware Removal Tool to Remove the OpenCandy Browser Hijacker

The Junkware removal tool is specially designed to detect and remove all types of Junkware. And, you know that Junkware is commonly used for hijacking a browser. So, you need to use a Junkware removal tool to remove the OpenCandy browser hijacker. To do so, you need to download and install an advance leveled Junkware removal tool. After completing the installation process, launch it and initiate a full scan to detect all the existed Junkware of the device, including the OpenCandy browser hijacker. Most of the Junkware removal tools automatically detect and remove the Junkware. It may ask for restarting the device to complete the process, perform a restart to complete the process.

[Note; Some Junkware removal tools may open the command prompt window. If so, you need to press any key to initiate the scanning process]

4. Use a Third-Party Anti-Malware Tool to Remove Remaining Malicious Entries and Files

The anti-malware tools allow the user to scan and remove all types of malicious files and entries from the device. These tools can strengthen the device security system and remove the malicious codes, files and entries if found. To do so, you need to download and install an advance leveled anti-malware tool. After completing the installation process, launch it and initiate a full scan to detect all the existed malicious threats of the device. Now, run a complete scan through the anti-malware tool to scan all kinds of malicious entries and files. Remove all the detected malicious entries and files after completing the scanning process. Performing a restart will help the device to run properly again.

After completing all these troubleshooting methods on an OpenCandy infected device, it will be safe and secure. It is always better to keep away the device from any type of threat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Safe is FreeFileSync?

The recent version of FreeFileSync is good and easy to use, but you need to be aware while installing or downloading FreeFileSync.exe. It is always recommended to use the official site to download the executable files.

Is FreeFileSync Open Source?

Yes, FreeFileSync is an open-source program and anyone can modify and share. It is available on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

How do I Use RealTimeSync?

To use the RealTimeSync on your PC, launch it as a background process on your PC. As you know, it will help you to monitor multiple folders and synchronize files if a folder changes.

Aftermath

At this point, you have known whether FreeFileSync is safe or not. It is always recommended to scan all the downloaded programs and files before starting installing or opening it on the device. It will help you to keep your device secure. That’s all for today, have a great day.