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Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.Makecert.exe is a deprecated command-line tool created by Microsoft that was used to generate self-signed X.509 certificates. Its primary purpose was to create temporary certificates for testing and development environments, such as simulating secure communications using SSL/TLS or code signing without requiring a certification authority (CA).
The tool allowed developers to define attributes such as subject name, validity period, and key specifications. It was particularly helpful in scenarios where a trusted CA-issued certificate wasn't available.
However, Microsoft now recommends modern alternatives like PowerShell's **New-SelfSignedCertificate** cmdlet for certificate generation, as Makecert.exe is no longer supported.
Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the makecert.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 Corporation should be the publisher of makecert.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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