The vbc.exe process is a legitimate computer process associated with the VBConversions Visual Basic Upgrade Wizard program, which helps convert old-style Visual Basic code into modern .NET syntax. However, malware developers tend to design their threats to impersonate legitimate applications, files, and processes.
This makes the vbc.exe process an attractive tool for malware authors since it can be used to help them evade detection from antivirus software due to its legitimate purpose. To make matters worse, malware that uses the vbc.exe process usually appears as a benign application in Task Manager or other system management tools, making it even harder to detect and eliminate on infected systems.
So, if you find a file named vbc.exe in an unusual location on your computer, it could be a serious warning sign. For example, malware researchers have observed Trojans or Worms camouflaged as vbc.exe files that were stored in the C/Drive under Windows Files.
Additionally, should you notice that a vbc.exe process is taking up exorbitant amounts of system resources in your Task Manager, this may be a sign that your computer has been infected with a crypto-miner threat. These threats leverage your device’s hardware resources and use them to mine for a specific cryptocurrency. While this occurs, you may notice that your computer does not have sufficient resources available to continue operating normally, possibly leading to frequent slowdowns, crashes, or critical errors.
How Do I Deal with an Illegitimate vbc.exe Process?
You should regularly conduct security audits of all running processes to ensure that any malicious variants of the vbc.exe process are identified and removed using a reputable malware remediation tool. Doing this regularly can help reduce the chances of a successful attack from malware posing as the legitimate ‘vbc.exe’ process. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest security patches and software updates can help minimize the risk of compromise from malicious actors. By proactively monitoring and managing system processes, organizations and individuals can ensure that your systems remain secure and protected.