Warning: Avoid the Latest Version of ImgBurn Due to Embedded Malware Risks
In the world of digital media burning and management, ImgBurn has long been recognized as a reliable and essential tool for many users. However, recent reports and personal experiences underscore a troubling trend: the latest version of ImgBurn may be bundled with malicious software, posing significant security risks.
A Personal Account of Malware Infection
One user’s experience highlights the dangers associated with the newest ImgBurn release. After installing what was believed to be a routine software update, they noticed suspicious activity on their system—specifically, the appearance of Conduit Search and TuneUp Utilities, which were not intentionally installed. Despite comprehensive scans using MalwareBytes, Microsoft Security Essentials, and Iolo System Mechanic, the malware remained undetected.
The malware hijacked browsers, notably Firefox, resulting in a distressing “Untrusted” error message when attempting to visit websites. Initial attempts to restore normal operation through system restore proved unsuccessful, and with automatic restore disabled, the user faced the daunting prospect of reinstalling Windows and backing up approximately 800 GB of data—an arduous task.
Corroborating Evidence and Community Warnings
Further investigation revealed that ImgBurn was the only recent software installation. A quick Google search for “ImgBurn installs malware” yielded multiple forum posts and a recent Reddit discussion affirming similar concerns. This indicates a broader community awareness of the issue, not an isolated incident.
The Disillusionment with ImgBurn’s Purported Integrity
Historically, ImgBurn has been lauded as an indispensable tool for editing and burning home videos. Its loyal user base has contributed to its reputation as a trustworthy program. The current revelations are all the more disappointing, as they suggest cross-promotion with malicious bundleware during installation—specifically through the Opencandy platform, which has been associated with installing various unwanted software and malware.
In some cases, the installer’s terms of service explicitly mentioned the Opencandy platform, yet no clear opt-out option was available. Deselecting the agreement to install Opencandy prevented installation altogether, effectively forcing users to accept potentially harmful software if they wanted to use ImgBurn.
Community Response and Calls for Action
The affected user proactively reached out by posting on ImgBurn’s official forums and found that other community members had experienced similar issues. Unfortunately, comments from the developers and support staff tended to shift blame onto users for not choosing the optional installation components—a stance that disregards the absence
Share this content:
