Why you need to uninstall the malware netsession_win.exe

Upon booting my computer and logging into my normal user account today (9/3/2012), I was greeted with a firewall prompt requesting that netsession_win.exe be given access to the public network (internet).

I didn't recall installing the program so with a quick google search I came across the following blog: I found that the program installed when I installed AutoDesk.

CSI: My Computer - What is netsession_win.exe from Akamai and how did it get on my system? - Scott Hanselman

and the following post:

Netsession_win.exe? - Malwarebytes Forum

I am declaring netsession_win.exe to be male-ware for the following reasons.

1. Installation without the users knowledge or consent.
2. Utilizing System resources including network bandwidth to upload data to the internet without users consent or knowledge.
3. Runs as a system user from a non admin User account.
4. Runs a service wide process from a non admin User account.
5. Expects users to be bound by their License agreement despite the fact that the user was not aware of the programs installation upon the users computer. This is in effect entering the user into a binding contract without the user being made aware of the terms of the contract. This is unconstitutional and any first year law student would be aware of it.

Victims of this unlawful installation should report the crime to their State's Attorney General. Make a note of the date that the program was installed utilizing "Programs and features" and then uninstall the software.

Imagine if you will that I entered your home when no one was there and plugged an extension cord into an obscured outlet and began using your electricity. I then claim that it is OK because it is plugged into your outlet. This is exactly what akamai is doing with their netsession_win.exe with one difference. They are having companies such as AutoCad, Adobe and others install their bandwidth steeling program onto your computer without giving you full disclosure of the programs purpose and everything it does.

Akamai NetSession Interface - FAQ

In essence, not only are corporations claiming ownership of your private sensitive information, they are now claiming ownership of your computer resources. They want you to pay for the bandwidth costs of other people downloading their software.

I don't know about the rest of society, but I cannot afford to pay for the network bandwidth that Corporations who refuse to hire me to do jobs I am able to do. The fact is, even if they did hire me, I still would not be able to afford to pay for their excessive greed.

If it walks like a duck, and it quacks like a duck, and it looks like a duck, then it's a duck.

Even so, if it installs like male-ware, acts like male-ware, penalizes you like male-ware and sounds like male-ware, then it is male-ware.

Scott A. Tovey

I noticed this process running in my RAM after installing some drivers from Dell using their multiple file download manager for drivers. It's not spyware so much as a really odd way of serving files to you that you only need 1 time. After you're done with it, (I suggest to) remove it from Add/Remove. Look for Akamai, that will remove it.

a13740342 said:

Oh my god thank you satovey for having a head on your shoulders. Every tech websites are saying it's not malware.

You're welcome.
:)

a13740342 said:

Oh my god thank you satovey for having a head on your shoulders. Every tech websites are saying it's not malware.

It's not spyware so much as a really odd way of serving files to you that you only need 1 time.

It's an odd way to get in my computer and suck the CPU out of it 24/7 without my knowledge of it's existence. After uninstalling it, my CPU usage dropped from 100%-can't-load-a-webpage to 15% running a large video game at max graphics.

I wish I had seen this thread first rather than all the others telling me it's a legit program so I could know what other program got it on my computer to begin with, but I have a suspicion I'll have the opportunity to do just that too soon to my liking.

I'm posting here hoping anyone with my problem will see this rather than the water heads on other tech forums telling people not to uninstall it.

Look for the entry in event viewer that provides the information you seek. If and when you do find it, I would like to take a look at the entry. Please post your findings.

Sincerely,
Ombrius