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Learn how to protect your Windows PC from malware and other threats.Application Control
Control your PC apps and their behaviors.What’s that .exe?
Is that executable safe, or a threat?SpyShelter PC Protection
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Protect your Windows Registry from harm.Executable Directory
Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.While browsing our Windows Task Manager on our test PC here at our cybersecurity lab in Austin, Texas, one of our SpyShelter team members found a mysterious "killer" executable called KillerAnalyticsService.exe.
If you found this web page, then you probably found this "killer" process running in your own Task Manager, and you're curious what exactly is so "killer" about it. Is it going to "kill" your PC with malware, or is this something that's safe to have running?
Well... fortunately Rivet Networks (now part of Intel) makes this .exe and it's completely safe. You're going to need this .exe if you want to have a "killer" network connection, and here's why...
Rivet Networks was acquired by Intel in 2020 for their Wi-fi 6 technology. So, if you're running Rivet software on your PC, then you should consider that this software is controlled by Intel.
KillerAnalyticsService.exe is a process related to Killer Networking and is part of the driver package for a network interface controller. Although the .exe does have the name "analytics" in it, we couldn't find any information that confirms this executable is only responsible for analytics, so we don't recommend disabling it.
You may be wondering, why is KillerAnalyticsService.exe signed by Microsoft? Microsoft reviews and signs some hardware-related Windows Services and Drivers, to make sure they don't cause any security issues or instability with the Windows OS. So, this .exe was most likely reviewed by Microsoft at some point.
Want to have a "killer" Wifi or Ethernet connection? Then don't disable this Intel-made process on your PC. As long as it's signed by Microsoft then it should be safe.
Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the KillerAnalyticsService.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 Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher should be the publisher of KillerAnalyticsService.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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