CNG Key Isolation - Windows Vista Service
The CNG key isolation service is hosted in the LSA process. The service provides key process isolation to private keys and associated cryptographic operations as required by the Common Criteria. The service stores and uses long-lived keys in a secure process complying with Common Criteria requirements.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 7 and 8.
Startup Type
| Windows Vista edition | without SP | SP1 | SP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Home Basic | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Home Premium | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Business | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Ultimate | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Default Properties
| Display name: | CNG Key Isolation |
| Service name: | KeyIso |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\lsass.exe |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
Default Behavior
The CNG Key Isolation service starts as LocalSystem and runs in a shared process of lsass.exe. If CNG Key Isolation fails to start, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows Vista startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the KeyIso service has failed to start. At least one service depends on CNG Key Isolation. Therefore I do not recommend you to disable it.
Dependencies
CNG Key Isolation will not start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
If CNG Key Isolation is stopped, the Extensible Authentication Protocol fails to start and initialize.
Restore Default Startup Type of CNG Key Isolation
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows Vista edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreCNGKeyIsolationWindowsVista.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the lsass.exe file exists in the %WinDir%\system32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows Vista installation media.