| Check | Legitimate | Malicious | |-------|------------|------------| | Location | C:\Windows\System32 | C:\Windows\ , C:\Users\Public\ , Temp folder | | Digital signature | Microsoft Windows Publisher | Missing or invalid | | Multiple instances | Only one (or two with PPL) | Multiple copies running | | Parent process | wininit.exe | cmd.exe , explorer.exe , unknown |
| Feature | Impact on LSASS | |---------|----------------| | | Credential hashes not stored in LSASS memory. NTLM pass-through not possible. | | Windows Server 2016+ | Default Protected Process Light (PPL) enabled. | | Windows 11 22H2 | LSA Protection always on for supported hardware. | | Domain Controllers | LSASS also holds AD database (NTDS.dit) references; critically sensitive. | local security authority process
The Local Security Authority Process is a critical system process in Microsoft Windows operating systems. It is responsible for enforcing the security policy on the system. It handles user authentication, logon sessions, and local security policy enforcement. | | Windows 11 22H2 | LSA Protection
White Paper: The Windows Local Security Authority Subsystem (LSASS) 1. Architectural Overview It is responsible for enforcing the security policy
: You should never attempt to "End Task" or delete the real LSASS process in Task Manager. Doing so will trigger an immediate system restart and potentially corrupt your user session. Managing High CPU or Memory Usage
: Once a user is verified, LSASS creates a "security token." This token acts like a digital ID card that tells every other app on your computer exactly what permissions you have.