dsmain.exe is an executable file used in Qihoo’s 360 Total Software suite, used to guard against viruses and other malware. But is it itself safe?
What Is dsmain.exe?
EXE files such as dsmain.exe are categorized as Win32 EXE (Dynamic link library) files. As a 360 Total Security <360 DSMain Module> file, it was created for use in 360 Total Security by Qihoo 360 Technology.
What Is 360 Total Security?
360 Company, and it’s software products, is best described by the company website:
360 company is the largest provider of Internet and mobile security products in China. Founded in 2005, the company is the pioneer of free Internet security. It launched 360 Total Security, 360 Mobile Security, 360 Security browsers and other national security products, as well as 360 enterprise security browsers for government and enterprise users. PC security products have more than 500 million monthly DAU, and mobile security products have more than 460 million monthly DAU. At the same time, 360 provides comprehensive security services including security consulting, security operation and maintenance, and security training for millions of state agencies and enterprises.
Source
File Details
| File Name: | dsmain.exe |
| File Extension: | EXE file extension |
| Description: | 360 Total Security <360 DSMain Module> |
| Object File Type: | Dynamic link library |
| File Operating System: | Win32 |
| MIME Type: | application/octet-stream |
| File Size: | 440 kB |
| File Type: | Win32 EXE |
| MIME Type: | application/octet-stream |
| Machine Type: | Intel 386 or later, and compatibles |
| Legal Copyright: | (C) Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd., All rights reserved. |
| PE Type: | PE32 |
| Linker Version: | 14.16 |
| Code Size: | 307200 |
| Initialized Data Size: | 128000 |
| Uninitialized Data Size: | 0 |
| Entry Point: | 0x1f890 |
| OS Version: | 5.1 |
| Image Version: | 0 |
| Subsystem Version: | 5.1 |
| Subsystem: | Windows GUI |
| File Version Number: | 1.0.0.1022 |
| Product Version Number: | 10.0.0.1022 |
| File Flags Mask: | 0x0017 |
| File Flags: | (none) |
| File OS: | Win32 |
| Object File Type: | Dynamic link library |
| Language Code: | English (U.S.) |
| Character Set: | Unicode |
| Company Name: | Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd. |
| File Description: | 360 Total Security <360 DSMain Module> |
| File Version: | 1, 0, 0, 1022 |
| Internal Name: | DSMain.exe |
| Legal Copyright: | (C) Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd., All rights reserved. |
| Product Name: | 360 Total Security |
| Product Version: | 10, 0, 0, 1022 |
Security Issues With dsmain.exe
Issue 1: Malware Masquerading As dsmain.exe
This is an issue common to other usually legitimate files.
Virus/Trojan/Spyware etc writers give their malicious files a similar name to these legitimate processes, hoping that users will mistake them for their safe namesake.
The key way to check that the dsmain.exe file running on your computer is the legitimate one is to check its file location. The real process sits in the C://Windows/System32 folder and hence if your file is elsewhere, it is likely to be malicious.
How To Check dsmain.exe’s Location
a. Press ctrl-alt-del
b. Click on the โDetails Tabโ as below:
c. Note the location
Issue 2: Slows Down Your PC
dsmain.exe, like many exe files, can sometime slow down your PC.
How To Confirm That dsmain.exe Is Malware & Then Remove It From Your PC
If infected (from a Trojan or virus), you have to delete it from your computer by right-clicking on the file in Task Manager, taking note of its location, and then selecting โEnd Processโ.
Once you have stopped the file running, go to the location of the file and delete it.
