Is it a Virus?
YES - Malicious ransomware component
Typically observed as a persistence mechanism in DarkSide infections
Warning
High risk and persistence
Runs as a Windows service and coordinates encryption tasks
Can I Disable?
NO - Manual disable is unsafe; requires complete cleanup
Remote removal and offline cleanup recommended
What is darkside-service.exe?
darkside-service.exe is the ransomware service component used by the DarkSide family. It runs as a Windows service, coordinates encryption tasks, data access, and C2 communications from infected hosts.
It registers with the Windows Service Control Manager, monitors targeted directories, and orchestrates encryption routines while reporting to its C2 channel. The module often hides in data folders and uses process masquerading to evade basic security checks.
Quick Fact: DarkSide operators used modular services to maintain persistence across compromised machines.
Types of DarkSide Service Components
- Controller Service: Orchestrates encryption and decryption tasks
- Data Exfiltration Service: Manages stolen data transfer to C2
- Encryption Engine: Executes file encryption routines
- Cleanup/Anti-Forensics: Reduces traces and logs
Is darkside-service.exe Safe?
No, it is not safe. It is associated with ransomware and should be treated as malware.
Is darkside-service.exe a Virus or Malware?
The legitimate-looking name is commonly used by ransomware. In most cases, this is malware used by the DarkSide operators.
How to Tell if darkside-service.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Check for path: C:\ProgramData\DarkSide\darkside-service.exe or C:\Program Files\DarkSide\darkside-service.exe
- Digital Signature: Open Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a signer like "DarkSide Group" or be unsigned if tampered.
- Resource Usage: Unusual CPU/memory usage in baseline systems; ransomware often remains active and persistent.
- Behavior: If system shows ransom notes or encryption activity, it is malware.
Red Flags: Presence in unexpected folders (e.g., C:\Windows, C:\ProgramData), startup persistence, self-spawning service, heavy encryption activity, or disabling security tools may indicate ransomware.
Why Is darkside-service.exe Running on My PC?
DarkSide uses this service to maintain persistence, coordinate encryption tasks, and communicate with its command-and-control backend.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Infection: A compromised system is actively encrypting or preparing to encrypt files under DarkSide control.
- Startup Persistence: The service is configured to start at boot, ensuring the malware resumes after reboots.
- Background C2 Communication: The process maintains stealthy network channels to receive instructions and exfiltrate data.
- Privilege Escalation: It runs with elevated privileges to access protected directories and modify security settings.
- Lateral Movement: The service can facilitate propagation to other network hosts via shared credentials or exploits.
Can I Disable or Remove darkside-service.exe?
Disabling it is not sufficient. Proper removal requires offline cleanup and full system restoration from backups.
How to Stop darkside-service.exe
- Isolate Network: Disconnect from network to prevent C2 communication.
- End Process: Open Task Manager and end the darkside-service.exe process.
- Run Antivirus/EDR: Execute offline scan with updated signatures; remove detected components.
- Clean Registry and Startup Items: Remove startup entries and malicious registry keys.
- Restore from Clean Backups: If possible, restore data from backups created before infection.
How to Uninstall or Clean Up DarkSide Artifacts
- ✔ Perform a full OS reinstallation or use a trusted image from backups.
- ✔ Use emergency offline antivirus tools to eradicate all DarkSide components.
- ✔ Change all passwords and patch systems after clean restore.
Common Problems: Encryption Activity or Performance Issues
If darkside-service.exe is active, you may see rapid file encryption, ransom notes, or degraded system performance.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active encryption operations: Identify and terminate encryption tasks with offline tools, isolate infected hosts, and restore from clean backups.
- Lateral movement across network: Segment networks, disable shared credentials, and scan all hosts for DarkSide artifacts.
- Startup persistence: Remove startup items and disable autostart services, then reboot to safe mode for cleanup.
- Defensive tool interference: Update security tools and enable real-time protection; run full offline cleanups.
- Corrupted backups: Verify backups with checksums, isolate and restore from known-good versions.
- Obfuscated payloads: Use specialized deobfuscation and malware analysis tools to reveal hidden modules; remove them.
Quick Fixes:
1. Isolate the machine and run offline antivirus tools.
2. Terminate darkside-service.exe and any related processes.
3. Check for ransom notes and remove them.
4. Restore files from clean backups.
5. Patch and harden the system to prevent reinfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is darkside-service.exe a virus?
Yes, it is commonly associated with the DarkSide ransomware and should be treated as malware. Verify file path and signer before concluding.
Why is darkside-service.exe running on my PC?
It is a persistence mechanism used by ransomware to coordinate encryption tasks and maintain control after infection.
How can I remove it?
Removal often requires offline cleanup, system restore from clean backups, and security tool remediation. Do not attempt manual removal on a live network.
Can I prevent this from happening?
Maintain offline backups, patch systems, restrict admin privileges, use EDR, and train users to avoid phishing that leads to infection.
Is there a legitimate version of this file?
No. darkside-service.exe is a ransomware component and is not legitimately distributed by Microsoft or reputable software vendors.
Will it encrypt my files?
If active on the host, encryption will occur across targeted file types unless mitigated by quick remediation and backups.