A Windows shortcut file, usually ending in .lnk, is a small file that points to another program, document, or command. When a user opens it, Windows follows the target stored inside the shortcut and may also pass arguments or launch a command-line action. That makes .lnk files useful for everyday desktop navigation, but also attractive to attackers.
In phishing and malware delivery, a shortcut can be disguised as a normal document or folder while actually starting PowerShell, cmd.exe, or another loader in the background. Because the file often looks harmless and can borrow a believable icon, it may bypass casual inspection. Defenders look for suspicious targets, hidden command arguments, unusual parent-child process chains, and shortcuts arriving from email, archives, or downloads. Monitoring .lnk execution is important because it often marks the moment a user-triggered click turns into code execution.