Quick Answer
nsiproxy-sys.exe is safe. It is the NSI Proxy System Service, a legitimate component that handles proxy routing, policy enforcement, and TLS for NSI applications.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in <code>C:\Program Files\NSI\nsiproxy\</code> or <code>C:\Program Files (x86)\NSI\nsiproxy\</code> and be signed by NSI Technologies
Warning
Multiple worker threads typical
nsiproxy-sys can spawn several worker processes for high-throughput proxy handling; sustained high CPU with idle network activity may indicate misconfiguration or heavy traffic
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can stop the service via Services.msc or the NSI management console, then disable startup if you don't plan to use NSI proxy features
What is nsiproxy-sys.exe?
nsiproxy-sys.exe is the Windows service component of the NSI Proxy System. It runs in the background to manage proxy connections, route traffic through NSI nodes, enforce filtering policies, and coordinate with central servers for updates and configuration.
nsiproxy-sys implements a multi-threaded proxy engine within a Windows service. It loads local config, spawns workers to accept and forward connections, negotiates TLS for endpoints, and maintains session state for secure, policy-driven traffic routing.
Quick Fact: NSI's proxy architecture uses a dedicated system service to separate networking tasks from user apps, improving reliability and security.
Types of NSI Proxy System Processes
- Service Process: Main nsiproxy-sys.exe instance managing the proxy service
- Worker Process: Multiple threads handling individual client connections
- Config Loader: Loads and watches configuration files for changes
- TLS Handler: Performs TLS negotiation and certificate management
- Policy Engine: Applies filtering and access control rules
- Cache Manager: Caches DNS results and session data for performance
Is nsiproxy-sys Safe?
Yes, nsiproxy-sys is safe when installed from the official NSI package and signed by NSI Technologies. Verify file location and signature as part of standard checks.
Is nsiproxy-sys a Virus or Malware?
The real nsiproxy-sys is not a virus. Malware may mimic names; validate the path and digital signature to confirm authenticity.
How to Tell if nsiproxy-sys is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be at
C:\Program Files\NSI\nsiproxy\nsiproxy-sys.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\NSI\nsiproxy\nsiproxy-sys.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click
nsiproxy-sys.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "NSI Technologies".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low idle CPU <5%, memory ~30-120 MB. Consistently high idle usage may indicate issues.
- Behavior: Service should start with Windows or manual launch via NSI Console. Unexpected network activity or hidden processes warrants a security scan.
Red Flags: nsiproxy-sys located outside the NSI directory (e.g., Temp, AppData), lacks a valid signature, or shows persistent, unusual network activity. Run antivirus and verify integrity with NSI support.
Why Is nsiproxy-sys Running on My PC?
nsiproxy-sys runs to provide and maintain NSI proxy services. It starts automatically with Windows or when NSI software enables proxy functionality, and it stays active to route traffic and apply policy rules.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Proxy Use: You have NSI proxy-enabled apps or system settings directing traffic through the NSI proxy, so the service remains active.
- Background Services: NSI components run in the background to enforce policy updates, traffic shaping, and TLS handling without user interaction.
- Startup Service: NSI Proxy System is configured to start at boot to ensure proxy availability as soon as the system starts.
- Background Sync: The service may synchronize policy lists, block lists, and credentials with the NSI servers, triggering activity.
- Health and Monitoring: Periodic health checks and statistics reporting keep the proxy stack healthy and responsive.
Can I Disable or Remove nsiproxy-sys?
Yes, you can disable nsiproxy-sys. If you do not rely on NSI proxy features, you can stop the service and disable startup, or uninstall NSI Proxy System entirely.
How to Stop nsiproxy-sys
- Stop Service: Open Services (services.msc), locate "NSI Proxy System Service" and click Stop
- Disable Startup: In Services, set Startup type to Disabled for the NSI Proxy System Service
- Kill Related Processes: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), end any remaining nsiproxy-sys.exe processes
- Check Dependencies: Ensure NSI applications are not relying on the proxy for required functionality
- Stop Background Apps: In NSI Console, disable "Continue running in background" if available to stop background activity
How to Uninstall NSI Proxy System
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → NSI Proxy System → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → NSI Proxy System → Uninstall
- ✔ Reboot the PC and verify that nsiproxy-sys.exe no longer appears in Task Manager
Common Problems: Proxy Performance and Stability
If nsiproxy-sys.exe is causing issues, review the following common problems and proven fixes specific to the NSI Proxy System.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Active Proxies or Connections: Limit concurrent connections or adjust max_clients in the config; consider enabling connection pooling
- Misconfigured Policies: Review policy rules in nsiproxy.ini or NSI Console; fix conflicts and test with a small rule set
- Outdated NSI Proxy System: Update NSI Proxy System to the latest version from the official NSI portal
- TLS Handshake Failures: Verify certificates, update CA bundle, and ensure system clocks are synchronized
- DNS Resolution Delays: Check DNS settings, flush DNS cache, and monitor DNS query responses
- Resource Contention: Tune system resources, close nonessential apps, or move to a higher-performance host
Quick Fixes:
1. Open NSI Proxy System Console and review active connections
2. Restart nsiproxy-sys.exe via Services
3. Update configuration files to resolve misconfigurations
4. Update NSI Proxy System to the latest build
5. Verify TLS certificates and time synchronization
Frequently Asked Questions
What is nsiproxy-sys and why is it running?
nsiproxy-sys.exe is the NSI Proxy System Service that forwards and filters network traffic as configured by NSI. It runs to provide proxy functionality for NSI-enabled apps and policies.
Is nsiproxy-sys a virus or malware?
No. If installed from NSI Technologies and located at <code>C:\Program Files\NSI\nsiproxy\</code> (or <code>C:\Program Files (x86)\NSI\nsiproxy\</code>), with a valid NSI signature, it is legitimate.
Where is nsiproxy-sys located on disk?
Typically <code>C:\Program Files\NSI\nsiproxy\nsiproxy-sys.exe</code> or <code>C:\Program Files (x86)\NSI\nsiproxy\nsiproxy-sys.exe</code>.
Can I disable nsiproxy-sys without breaking apps?
Yes. You can stop the NSI Proxy System Service and disable startup. Some NSI-protected apps may lose proxy functionality until reconfigured.
How do I uninstall NSI Proxy System?
Use Windows Settings → Apps → NSI Proxy System → Uninstall, or use Control Panel → Programs to remove NSI Proxy System, then reboot.
How can I verify nsiproxy-sys is safe after a reinstall?
Check the file path, confirm the digital signature from NSI Technologies, review Services.msc startup type, and run a malware scan if any doubt remains.