A downloaded executable file may contain harmful software known as Malware. Malware is any software that is designed to harm a computer system or network. It can steal data, cause damage, or disrupt operations.
Malware can be present in various types of files, but it’s particularly common in executable files with extensions like .exe, .pif, .application, .gadget, .msi, .msp, .com, and .scr. These files can contain code or execute arbitrary commands, making them potentially dangerous.