Like uuencode(1) and uudecode(1) it allows the transmission of binary data in a 'mail-safe' ASCII representation, but has the advantage of decoding to standard output. It can also convert a hex dump back to its original binary form. Xxd is a Linux command that creates a hex dump of a given file or standard input. For example, if you want to view an executable code of a program, you can use hexdump to do so. The hd or hexdump command in Linux is used to filter and display the specified files, or standard input in a human readable specified format.

Having a backup of such files is a good idea. However, editing data via hex editor can permanently corrupt the edited files if you don't know what are you doing. In terms of whether or not is this a malware, no, it is a normal application and is safe to use. You can also switch between HEX and ASCII formats with Hexcurse. You can easily open the files and edit the data using this tool. The Hexcurse-Console Hex Editor is one of the most popular Hex Editors for Kali Linux. On default, the Hex editor is not available on Notepad++ and you cannot view text in the form of Hex but after installing the Hex Editor Plugin, you will be able to view any file in Hex without any problem. You can also press + o to open a file with Bless hex editor. Does Windows 10 come with a hex editor?.Most (if not every) Linux distributions come with an editor that allows you to perform hexademical and binary manipulation.

Notepad++ hex editor mode