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What’s aesm_service.exe (Intel® SGX Application Enclave Services Manager)? Is it safe or a virus?

The `aesm_service.exe` is a background process associated with Intel's Software Guard Extensions (SGX) technology. Operated by the Intel® SGX Application Enclave Services Manager, its primary function is to manage secure enclaves, which are isolated memory regions used to enhance security for sensitive data and applications. These enclaves protect data from unauthorized access, even if the operating system or other software is compromised. The service is integral to applications that utilize Intel SGX for tasks such as digital rights management, secure computations, and confidential application execution, ensuring the proper functioning and communication of SGX-enabled software within the system.

Researched by Laura @ SpyShelter Labs

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More about aesm_service.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes aesm_service.exe (Intel® SGX Application Enclave Services Manager)?

We’ve found Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher should be the publisher of aesm_service.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 24, 2025

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