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Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.Identity_helper.exe is a process associated with Microsoft's Identity Helper tool and the Edge browser, which is used to help secure user identities across different Windows apps and services.
The identity_helper.exe process is designed to assist in identifying and authenticating users, managing user access, and ensuring the security of the account data. It helps to streamline the process of user authentication and access control, making it easier for users to securely access various Microsoft services and applications.
At our SpyShelter Cybersecurity Lab here in Austin, Texas, we didn't find this identity_helper.exe running by default on our PCs, but that doesn't mean it's unsafe. As long as the Microsoft PWA Identity Proxy Host (identity_helper.exe) is signed by Microsoft it should be safe to have on your PC. It seems to be most likely to run if you are using Microsoft's Edge browser, and Copilot tools.
Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the identity_helper.exe process is safe or malware.
Researched by Jon @ SpyShelter Labs
A Trojan is a harmful software that pretends to be a legitimate program or file to deceive users into downloading it. It can steal personal information, damage files, or give hackers control over the infected device.
Download SpyShelter to see detailed safety information about every .exe on your PC.
Check your PC for threatsWe’ve found Microsoft Corporation should be the publisher of identity_helper.exe.
How do we know? Our SpyShelter cybersecurity labs focuses on monitoring different types of Windows PC executables and their behaviors for our popular SpyShelter Antispyware software. Learn more about us, and how our cybersecurity team studies Windows PC executables/processes.
The publisher of an executable is the entity responsible for its distribution and authenticity. Most processes/executables on your PC should be signed. The signature on the executable should have been verified through a third party whose job it is to make sure the entity is who it says it is. Find an unsigned executable? You should consider scanning any completely unsigned .exe on your PC.
Our team at SpyShelter has been studying Windows PC executables for over 15 years, to help fight against spyware, malware, and other threats. SpyShelter has been featured in publications like The Register, PC Magazine, and many others. Now we’re working to share free, actionable, and easy to understand information about Windows executables (processes) with the world, to help as many people as possible keep their devices safe. Learn more about us on our "About SpyShelter” page.
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