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Why is Local Security Authority Trying to Access the Internet?
Find the correct answer right away
5 min. read
Updated onApril 2, 2024
updated onApril 2, 2024
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Key notes
Processes and apps consume background resources to perform a series of vital functions. But some apps tend to consume excess network resources, affecting the workflow. A similar situation arises when the Local Security Authority process is trying to access the Internet.
The problem with most users is that they are unaware of the process’s role and often consider LSA a virus. And you can’t blame them becauseLSA also consumes high CPU and RAMin many cases. Keep reading to find out all about the process!
What does the Local Security Authority do?
Local Security Authority, as the name suggests, is a local process meant to ensure security on the PC by preventing unauthorized access.
Its role is to authenticate the credentials for any sign-ins, password changes, token creation for applications, and permissions related to administrative access.
Local Security Authority (lsass.exe) is enabled by default on the PC. The file location is:C:\Windows\System32
It’s a critical built-in Windows file, and you should not stop the Local Security Authority process. Doing so will compromise the PC’s security. But you must verify that the lsass.exe process running on the PC is legitimate.
Microsoft has found thatSasser, a malware, used the vulnerabilities inlsass.exeto steal computer data. Since a problem with the process has been reported, we can’t ignore the possibility of it happening again. So, verify the file path and always have areliable antivirusrunning!
As per available reports, the lsass.exe process shouldn’t try to access the Internet. But things change with updates, which could be the case with LSA. So, we have to identify why it consumes network resources and take the necessary approach.
Here are a few reasons the Local Security Authority process is trying to access the Internet:
What can I do if Local Security Authority is trying to access Internet?
1. Verify the file path
Your primary approach here should be to verify the file path. Make sure the lsass.exe process is stored in the following location:C:\Windows\System32
To do that, locate the process, right-click on it, and chooseOpen file location. If it’s stored in any other location, delete the file immediately and head to the next solution.
2. Scan for viruses
When faced with the Local Security Authority process trying to access the Internet or any other unknown process trying to do that, scan the PC for malware. You could use both the built-in Windows Security or aneffective third-party antivirus solution.
3. Run the DISM and SFC scan
If the Local Security Authority process is trying to access the Internet due to corrupt system files, a quick solution is torun the DISM tooland the SFC scan. The two will help identify any problematic system files and replace them with the cached copy.
Or if you want to try a more straightforward solution, you can opt for a specializedthird-party repair program.
4. Modify the Registry
This will disable the Windows Schedule and prevent issues like this and those with other services configured to run automatically.
5. Perform an in-place upgrade
That’s it! If the previous solutions couldn’t fix the problem and the Local Security Authority process is still trying to access the Internet, performing an in-place upgrade will do the trick! It will replace all Windows files without affecting the stored data or apps.
Before you leave, check some quick tips toincrease the Internet speed in Windows. We also have a guide on what to do ifLocal Security Authority Protection is off, so don’t miss it.
For any queries or to share more solutions with us, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:internet,Local Security Authority,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
