Arqc-gen.exe

arqc-gen.exe is a command-line utility designed to generate ARQC (Authorization Request Cryptogram). In the EMV payment standard, an ARQC is a dynamic cryptographic value generated by a payment card (or a secure element within a smartphone) during a transaction. It proves to the issuing bank that the card is physically present and authentic.

The _gen suffix indicates "generator." This tool artificially creates these cryptograms offline. It is typically found in: arqc-gen.exe

arqc-gen.exe --key=00112233445566778899AABBCCDDEEFF \
             --pan=5413330000000001 \
             --cn=01 \
             --atc=0001 \
             --amt=1000 \
             --curr=840 \
             --un=1234ABCD

Starting around 2015, cybercriminals modified legitimate EMV test tools to create arqc-gen.exe variants. These versions are often: arqc-gen

Without specific details about arqc-gen.exe, we can only speculate on its purpose. Here are a few possibilities: Starting around 2015