If the file is located in a program’s folder (e.g., C:\Program Files\SomeGame\ ) or if it lacks a digital signature, it could be fake. Run a full antivirus scan in that case.
The error is a standard Windows runtime issue, not a sign of a failing hard drive or a major virus. In nearly every case, installing or repairing the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015-2022 will restore the missing DLL and get your software working again.