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What’s CiTool.exe (CodeIntegrity Generic Tool)? Is it safe or a virus?

CiTool.exe is a Microsoft Windows program that serves as a CodeIntegrity Generic Tool. It is responsible for enforcing and managing Windows Defender code integrity policies on the system, ensuring that only approved and trusted code is able to execute.

The tool runs background checks on executable files and ensures that they have not been tampered with or modified in any way that could compromise system security. It also helps in verifying the digital signatures of files to ensure their authenticity.

The official Microsoft website says "CiTool makes Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) policy management easier for IT admins. You can use this tool to manage Windows Defender Application Control policies and CI tokens."

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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More about CiTool.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes CiTool.exe (CodeIntegrity Generic Tool)?

We’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of CiTool.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: June 13, 2024

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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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