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What’s AlertHost.exe (McAfee Alert host )? Is it safe or a virus?

AlertHost.exe is a process associated with McAfee security software developed by McAfee, LLC. It is responsible for managing and displaying security alerts and notifications on a computer. This executable acts as a host application that facilitates pop-up messages or warnings related to system protection, malware detection, or other security events. Its purpose is to inform users about potential threats, updates, or actions required to maintain system safety. As part of McAfee's suite of security tools, AlertHost.exe plays a critical role in communicating security status, but it primarily operates in the background without requiring direct user interaction.

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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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.

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More about AlertHost.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes AlertHost.exe (McAfee Alert host )?

We’ve found McAfee, LLC should be the publisher of AlertHost.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.

What does it mean if someone is the publisher of a PC .exe (executable or process)?

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.

Last updated: March 23, 2025

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Why should you trust us?

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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