What is lsass.exe? Should you get rid of it?

lsass.exe is a legit executable that belongs to Microsoft 

lsass.exe — an executable file that can also be called as Local Security Authority Subsystem Service. The file is responsible for controlling the access to various applications. The primary function of this file is to verify the validity of user logons to your computer or server. It generates the process responsible for authenticating users and this is performed using packages like the default, Msgina.dll. If this primary authentication is successful, executable generates the token of access which is later used to launch the shell and other processes initiate this token too. However, this file has also been misused by cybercriminals to hide malware on the system, including crypto mining software and similar viruses. This lsass.exe file should be located in the system folder and, if so, it is the essential part of your PC. Otherwise, check your computer with anti-spyware to see if there is no malware hiding on your computer.

lsass.exe is a process that belongs to Microsoft Windows OS and shouldn't be removed. Its elimination could cause issues with your device since this is an important part of Windows. However, this file often causes problems on the device because it is corrupted or affected by malware.  

Unfortunately, you cannot remove lsass.exe without the diagnosis. A full system scan using antivirus or anti-malware tool can determine the purpose and possible associations with malware. Also, you can check the location of this file to see if it is placed in the C:\Windows\System32 folder because if not you might have a file that disguises malicious processes.

lsass.exe virus is not a term that should be used because this file is a safe system process. However, malware creators use this name of a commonly found process to disguise their malicious behaviour. There is a possibility that the file you got on your computer is malicious if you find some of these features:

• lsass.exe located in a subfolder;
• the file is bigger than 30 bytes and up to 1 591 808;
• a process is running in the background constantly;
• causes high usage of CPU;
• the system shows lsass.exe related error messages. 

lsass.exe removal can be performed using your antivirus or anti-malware program like FortectIntego if the full system scan identified the executable as malicious. It is possible that the file is detected as Worm/Brontok.D.5; Win32.Generic.497594; TR/Killfiles.zerxq; Trojan.Agent; TR/Crypt.Xpack.ntpli; RiskWare.BitCoinMiner or any other malware. 

You need to remove lsass.exe from the computer because various trojans, worms and similar malware existence can affect your device in a significant way. These cyber intruders can be set to:

• mine cryptocurrency using the resources of your computer;
• infect the system further with other intruders;
• give access in your device to a different hacker.

Download, install and use anti-malware programs more frequently to avoid any similar cyber infections and pay more attention to processes happening on your PC. Having anti-malware tool on the device can be beneficial because it improves the security of your computer or any other devices you are using.

Spam email attachments might be infected 

The safe and legitimate file comes to the system with the Windows operating system and other application files. This system file shouldn't cause issues on the system but it might affect the speed and performance of the device if it came using deceptive and silent distribution techniques. 

When users get an email and rush to open download the file attachment on the device there is a risk of getting cyber infections and malicious files. Safe-looking document might be infected with macro viruses or install the direct malware payload on the system.

Also, it is possible to get insecure files from advertisements that promote installations of tools or updates. Suspicious content or cracked software may be the reason your device is not performing properly.

Eliminate the malicious lsass.exe from the system

You should think twice before you remove lsass.exe since this is an essential system file. However, if you perform the diagnosis using trustworthy anti-malware like FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes you can also terminate the file relating malware. It is also beneficial for the whole system because these tools detect various other threats and cyber infections.

lsass.exe removal using anti-malware cleans your system further than just eliminating threats. It fixes various issues and deleted potentially unwanted programs that might be affecting your device too. Keep this tool up-to-date. However, if your file is safe but still causes issues, try to check for newer drivers or update outdated applications.