Another common usage of HOSTS file is to block websites including advertisements and web trackings by mapping it to a localhost which is 127.0.0.1 or to a non-routable 0.0.0.0 IP address. Other than using the HOSTS file for good purposes, some malware uses it to block the infected computers from accessing security based websites.
Aug 01, 2017 How to block Windows 10 telemetry using "hosts" file Mar 13, 2020 How to Block Distracting Websites with Your Hosts File
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How To Block Adobe CC Activation Windows Using HOSTS File
How to block Windows 10 telemetry using "hosts" file
A hosts file, named hosts (with no file extension), is a plain-text file used by all operating systems to map hostnames to IP addresses. In most operating systems, the hosts file is preferential to DNS. Therefore if a domain name is resolved by the hosts file, the request never leaves your computer. How to Edit the HOSTS File in Windows - Lifewire