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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
Learn how to protect your PC from bad apps.Registry Protection
Protect your Windows Registry from harm.Executable Directory
Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.Microsoft's ssh.exe is part of the Windows OS, and is safe to run on your PC. However, when checking our PCs here in our Austin, Texas SpyShelter cybersecurity lab, we didn't find ssh.exe running on any of them, unless it was actively being used.
If ssh.exe is running for no reason you may want to scan your PC with the free built in Windows Security antivirus, or take a look with our SpyShelter Antispyware app. So, what exactly does ssh.exe do, and why might I be concerned if it's launched without me doing so?
ssh.exe is a command-line tool provided by Microsoft Windows to facilitate secure communication through the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol. It allows users to securely connect to remote servers and execute commands, transfer files, and tunnel network connections. The SSH protocol encrypts the data transmitted over the network, providing a secure channel for remote access and management of systems. The ssh.exe tool enables users to authenticate themselves to the remote server using passwords or public/private key pairs, ensuring secure communication and access control.
It is an essential tool for system administrators and developers who need to manage remote servers and devices securely. However, if you aren't using SSH and it's running on your PC it may be worthwhile to investigate the issue further with a Windows Security Antivirus scan.
Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the ssh.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 should be the publisher of ssh.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.
Have any questions? Please join our free public SpyShelter PC Security Forum and talk cybersecurity with our USA-based team. We love talking about PC Security and we’d like to get to know you.
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