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Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.The `ssh-keygen.exe` utility in Microsoft Windows is a command-line tool used to generate, manage, and convert SSH (Secure Shell) key pairs. It creates public-private key pairs, which are essential for establishing secure, key-based authentication for SSH connections. The generated keys enhance security by replacing password-based login methods with cryptographic authentication. The private key remains on the user's system, while the public key is placed on the remote server, enabling secure communication without sharing sensitive passwords. This tool also allows users to customize key types, sizes, and passphrases as well as convert key formats for compatibility with different SSH implementations.
Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the ssh-keygen.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-keygen.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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