The sf.exe process is an executable file that has been reported as a malicious program belonging to the Win32.FAVADD.O family of Trojans. User reports claimed that the sf.exe process, upon its initial activation in the Windows-based system, creates keys and entries that it injects into the Windows System Registry, in order for the sf.exe process to be capable of automatically initializing during system startup without the user's consent. The sf.exe process remains unseen while it operates as a background process of the system, according to some users. The sf.exe process then proceeds to search for systtem vulnerabilities in order to exploit open TCP/IP ports, which it then uses to initiate contact with predesignated Web servers that are managed by the authors of this malicious application. Upon initiating contact with these Web servers, the sf.exe process then gathers Personally Identifiable Information and Internet surfing data from the system and the default Web browser, which it transmits to these Web servers. Keyboard inputs and mouse activity may also be recorded and logged by the sf.exe process, and these pieces of data can then be transmitted via the exploited TCP/IP ports of the infected system to the Web servers of its authors, as claimed by a few users.
How can I stop sf.exe and should I?
Most non-system processes that are running can be stopped because they are not involved in running your operating system. sf.exe. is used by Win32.FAVADD.O, If you shut down sf.exe, it will likely start again at a later time either after you restart your computer or after an application start. To stop sf.exe, permanently you need to uninstall the application that runs this process which in this case is Win32.FAVADD.O, from your system.
After uninstalling applications it is a good idea to scan you Windows registry for any left over traces of applications. Registry Reviver by ReviverSoft is a great tool for doing this.
Is this a virus or other security concern?
ReviverSoft Security Verdict
The ReviverSoft experts have not yet reviewed sf.exe
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What is a process and how do they affect my computer?
A process usually a part of an installed application such as Win32.FAVADD.O, or your operating system that is responsible for running in functions of that application. Some application require that they have processes running all the time so they can do things such as check for updates or notify you when you get an instant message. Some poorly written applications have many processes that run that may not be required and take up valuable processing power within your computer.
Is sf.exe known to be bad for my computer's performance?
We have not received any complaint about this process having higher than normal impact on PC performance. If you have had bad experiences with it please let us know in a comment below and we will investigate it further.
What can I do if sf.exe is causing errors on my computer?
The first thing you should do if sf.exe. is causing errors on your computer is to run a Windows registry scan with Registry Reviver If you are still seeing errors after this you should uninstall the program that sf.exe, belongs to, in this case Win32.FAVADD.O