The Isass.exe is one of the frequently searched programs on the internet. Most antivirus programs will flag down the Isass.exe program as a malware program.
However, the original version of the Lsass.exe program is a program from Microsoft Inc. Malwares disguises itself as the Lsass.exe program to bypass detection during a virus scan. It is not easy to identify the Isass.exe program on your own because it does not execute on a visible window.
There are many things to learn about the Isass.exe program, and this is the perfect place to learn everything you need to know about Isass.exe. So what is Isass.exe? Everything you need to know is in the content below.
What is lsass.exe?
The Lsass.exe is an original program for Windows, and it is a Microsoft Inc system program. The program name derives from an acronym meaning the Local Security Authority Sub-System Service (Lsass.exe). It is a core windows program and can cause your PC to be unstable if you delete it.
It performs Windows core functions such as enforcing security policies. The security policies carried out by the Lsass.exe program include but are not limited to login authentication and password changes.
Where is lsass.exe located?
The Lsass.exe program is prone to malware attacks, and as such, it is secure inside the sytem32 folder. You require administrator privileges to edit, delete, or move the program file.
The exact sub-location of the file is [C:\Windows\System32], and you can treat any file outside the directory as a malware program.
What is the file size of lsass.exe?
The Lsass.exe program is present in XP, 7, 8, and 10 versions of Windows systems The exact size of the program vary depending on the Windows version and build running your PC.
Approximately above 50% of all the Lsass.exe variations occupy 1,056,768 bytes on your PC. The rest of the program variations occupy 798,720 bytes on your PC.
Is lsass.exe a virus or malware?
The answer to the above question about the Lsass.exe program is subjective rather than objective. You should consider a few facts to decide if your Lsass.exe program is malware. You can check the program location before ruling if your file is genuine or malware.
You can use any of the following methods to check if your file is a legit Windows program or malware.
How to check if lsass.exe is genuine of a virus
1. Check the location via Task Manager
You can use the following method to check the location of the Lsass.exe file using the Task Manager on your PC.
Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon at the bottom left of your screen before clicking on the Task Manager option.
Step 2: Click on the Details tab on the Task Manager console.
Step 3: Click on the Name tab at the top left to arrange the running programs alphabetically.
Step 4: Scroll to the program beginning with ‘L’ and locate the Lsass.exe file.
Step 5: Right-click on the Lsass.exe program and then click on the Open File Location option to reveal the location of your file.
Step 6: Confirm that the location path of your file is [C:\Windows\System32].
2. Check the digital signature of lsass.exe via Task Manager
You can use the following procedure to check the digital signature of the Lsass.exe program using the Task Manager on your PC.
Step 1: Click on the CTRL + SHIFT + ESC key on your keyboard simultaneously to launch the Task Manager console on your PC.
Step 2: Click on the Details tab and locate the Lsass.exe fil among the list of running programs.
Step 3: Right-click on the Lsass.exe file and click on the Properties tab.
Step 4: Wait for the Properties window to launch and click on the Digital Signature tab.
Step 5: Confirm the Name of the Signer on your file is Microsoft Windows Publisher.
3. Scan lsass.exe using Windows security
Use the procedure below to scan the Lsass.exe file using Windows security.
Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon at the bottom left corner of your screen, and click on the Settings option.
Step 2: Click on the Update & Security option before clicking on the Windows security option.
Step 3: Wait for the new Window to open before clicking on the Virus & threat protection option.
Step 4: Open the Security settings on the new Window to reveal advanced options. Locate the Current threats sections and click on the Quick scan to commence a virus and malware scan of all Windows core programs like the Lsass.exe program.
4. Check the network activity of lsass.com
Use the following method to check the network activity of the Lsass.exe program on your PC.
Step 1: Use the search tool at the bottom left of your screen to search and open the Resource Monitor application.
Step 2: Click on the Network tab and click on the Listening Port section.
Step 3: Locate the Lsass.exe program and confirm it is not using more than half of your network resources.
5. Run lsass.exe in Windows Sandbox
You can use the Windows Sandbox environment to run the Lsass.exe program. Use the following steps to run the program in the Sandbox.
Step 1: Download and install the Windows sandbox application on your PC.
Step 2: Ensure the Lsass.exe program features in the Sandbox.
Step 3: Open the Task Manager and locate the Lsass.exe file. Right-click on the Lsass.exe file and click on the UAC virtualization option.
Why is lsass.exe using a lot of memory?
Your Lsass.exe program file should utilize as few disk resources as possible. If your program uses more than 10MB, it indicates your file is corrupt with malware.
Is it okay to remove the Lsass.exe process from my computer?
It is not safe to remove the Lsass.exe program if you do not have the technical skills to deal with malware. Removing or editing the program can result in your OS being unstable and even failing to boot altogether.
How to remove lsass.exe Virus or malware
The best way to deal with a Lsass.exe malware-infected file is to use third-party antivirus to remove the Virus or malware. You can use free third-party antivirus programs like Avast to scan the file location of the Lsass.exe file.
