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Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.Realtek is a common brand associated with PC audio. On our own PCs here in Austin, Texas at SpyShelter cybersecurity labs, we often see Realtek processes running. Processes from this company based in Taiwan should be safe for your PC, and you'll find they are necessary to run if you want to hear any audio coming out of your speakers or headphones. So what exactly does this Realtek software with an extremely long name do for your PC?
This process is responsible for providing various audio-related functions such as volume control, sound effects, and audio device management. It runs in the background and is typically not visible to the user. It's a legitimate process developed by Realtek and is not known to pose any security threat.
So, turn up those tunes and keep rocking on your PC because RtkAudUService64.exe should be a completely safe process!
But, why is this process signed by Microsoft if it's made by Realtek? That's because Microsoft signs some Windows System software, like drivers, because Microsoft checks them to make sure they are stable and safe for your PC.
Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the RtkAudUService64.exe process is safe or malware.
Researched by Carl @ 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 RtkAudUService64.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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