Quick Answer
securecrt.exe is safe. It's VanDyke's official SecureCRT SSH client executable, designed to manage secure remote sessions through multiple connections. It runs as part of the application's normal operation.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\VanDyke Software\SecureCRT\SecureCRT.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\VanDyke Software\SecureCRT\SecureCRT.exe
Warning
Many processes typical
Each active SSH session or tunnel can spawn separate threads or processes inside SecureCRT depending on version and settings
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can exit SecureCRT or disable startup launching; sessions can be closed individually
Is securecrt.exe required for SSH work?
✔ YES
The executable is the core runner for SecureCRT; removing it will uninstall the program or break sessions
What is securecrt.exe?
securecrt.exe is the main executable for VanDyke SecureCRT, a professional SSH/Telnet/serial console client used to securely connect to remote systems. It manages the session manager window, per-session engines, and the user interface. SecureCRT scales to multiple connections with encrypted channels and configurable profiles.
SecureCRT employs a session-based architecture where each connection runs within its own process or thread, isolating hosts and data. It supports SSH2, Telnet, and serial protocols, with port forwarding, scripting, and strong cryptography for secure remote access.
Quick Fact: SecureCRT's per-session isolation helps prevent cross-session data leakage and supports automation through scripts.
Types of SecureCRT Processes
- Main GUI Process: The primary window and user interface (1 instance)
- Session Manager Process: Manages active sessions, connections, and tunnels
- SSH Engine Process: Handles SSH protocol handshake and encryption
- Port Forwarding/Agent Process: Manages local/remote port forwards and SSH agent tasks
- Scripting/Automation Process: Runs scripts and automation tasks for sessions
- Background Update/Service Process: Background tasks and update checks
Is securecrt.exe Safe?
Yes, securecrt.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from VanDyke Software downloaded from official sources or installed by a trusted vendor.
Is securecrt.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real securecrt.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may mimic names; verify location and signature.
How to Tell if securecrt.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\VanDyke Software\SecureCRT\SecureCRT.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\VanDyke Software\SecureCRT\SecureCRT.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "VanDyke Software, Inc."
- Resource Usage: Typical usage is 1-10% CPU per session, 30-150 MB memory total for a light workload. Unusually high usage warrants scanning.
- Behavior: SecureCRT should start when you launch the app; background processes without an active app/session can indicate issues.
Red Flags: If securecrt.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when SecureCRT isn't opened, has no valid signature, or uses constant high resources, scan with antivirus. Beware of similarly named files from untrusted sources.
Why Is securecrt.exe Running on My PC?
securecrt.exe runs to support active SSH/Telnet sessions, port forwarding, background automation, and to manage the SecureCRT user interface. It may also run when Windows starts if configured to auto-launch.
Reasons it's running:
- Active SSH/Telnet Sessions: You're actively connected to remote hosts; each session consumes resources
- Background Agent or Tunnels: SSH tunnels and background tasks keep connections alive
- Startup Launch: SecureCRT is configured to start with Windows or a user login
- Port Forwarding or Agent Tasks: Local/remote forwards and SSH agent tasks run in background
- Automation/Scripting: Scheduled or on-demand scripts may run, triggering the executable
Can I Disable or Remove securecrt.exe?
Yes, you can disable securecrt.exe. It's safe to close SecureCRT when not in use, and you can uninstall it or disable startup if desired.
How to Stop securecrt.exe
- End Active Sessions: Use the Session Manager to disconnect or exit SecureCRT
- Close Application: Exit SecureCRT from the menu or by closing all windows
- Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable VanDyke SecureCRT
- Stop Background Tasks: In SecureCRT settings, disable background or auto-reconnect features
- Prevent Auto-Reconnect: In Session Options, disable reconnect or auto-login features
How to Uninstall SecureCRT
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> VanDyke SecureCRT -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> VanDyke SecureCRT -> Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer after uninstalling
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage for SecureCRT
If securecrt.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Active Sessions: Close unused sessions or group into fewer sessions; disable unnecessary tunnels
- Background SSH Tunnels: Review and disable unused port forwards; keep only active tunnels
- High Verbose Logging: Reduce log level or disable verbose logging in the session settings
- Outdated Version: Update SecureCRT to the latest version from the official site
- Large File Transfers: Limit transfer rates or optimize batch transfers; pause transfers during heavy workloads
- Automation Scripts: Check scheduled scripts for overly frequent runs and adjust intervals
Quick Fixes:
1. Review active sessions with the built-in Session Manager and disconnect unnecessary ones
2. Disable unused port forwards and tunnels in the session settings
3. Update SecureCRT to the latest version from the official site
4. Reduce log verbosity and clear old logs periodically
5. Restart SecureCRT to apply changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is securecrt.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate securecrt.exe from VanDyke is not a virus. Verify the path C:\Program Files\VanDyke Software\SecureCRT\SecureCRT.exe and a valid digital signature from VanDyke Software, Inc.
Why is securecrt.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can be caused by many active sessions, large data transfers, or misbehaving scripts. Use the Session Manager to identify heavy sessions, update to the latest version, and review scripts.
Can I delete securecrt.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall SecureCRT via Windows Settings -> Apps or Control Panel. Your saved sessions may be removed unless you back them up or sync them with a VanDyke account.
Can I disable securecrt.exe?
Yes. Close SecureCRT or disable its startup in Task Manager. To stop background operations, adjust session options to prevent auto-reconnect and background tasks.
Why does SecureCRT start on login?
If configured, SecureCRT may auto-launch at login to restore sessions. Disable in Task Manager -> Startup or in SecureCRT's session options to prevent auto-start.
How can I verify the integrity of securecrt.exe?
Check that the file is located at a standard path (e.g., C:\Program Files\VanDyke Software\SecureCRT\SecureCRT.exe) and has a valid VanDyke Software digital signature.