Avast randomly starts/stops aswHdsKe service. What is it?

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

I use Process Hacker to keep track of processes/services running on my computer. The program reports to me via pop-up messages when a service is created or deleted. I’ve noticed that, for the last couple months or so, a Windows service will be created sporadically throughout the day (perhaps 2-10 times) and then deleted after 10-30 seconds entitled “aswHdsKe”. A Google search doesn’t turn up much, except that it’s an Avast service part of “Avast HomeNetworkSecurity”.

I just wanted to verify that this is, indeed, an Avast service, as well as get more information on what it does exactly, why it runs so sporadically/quickly, and if it’s necessary.

Any information/feedback is much appreciated!

Thanks.

2

Hi OrganicIntelligence, welcome to the forum :slight_smile:

I will put your question forward to an Avast Head Developer.

Greetz, Red.

3

Thank you!

4

The location of the file will already give a huge clue if it is from avast or not.

5

aswHdsKe.sys is part of HNS (Home Network Security) and it implements network port scan, ARP scan and device discovery. It is released with VPS (virus database).