Thank you. I'm still not convinced. I'm assuming (perhaps incorrectly) that it's not Windows that gives priority to an antivirus program to load first, but rather, that AVG uses some kind of technique to ensure that it's first to load. If that's true, then why couldn't malware use a similar technique to place itself first in the loading order, replacing AVG as the first program to load?
Hello Dan. Thank you very much for taking the time to write. My name is Shawn and I am writing to you on behalf of the AVG Senior Support team.
Specific to your concern, many programs (often security-related) password protect their files for legitimate reasons. AVG doesn't know the password or have any way of using it even if it did. Once the password is supplied, by whatever program is using these files, AVG will check the files when they are actually run. If it turns out that something is hidden, Avast will block it.
Simply clarified, while they are hidden or in their password-protected state, the files pose no threat to you or your system.
I trust this explanation helps clarify your concern. Regards, Shawn
Thank you for your swift response. I just want to make sure that we're on the same page. I'm not talking about folders and files that can be set to Hidden by changing its attribute. I'm talking about proprietary software that can hide folders and files from even Windows. Because if proprietary software can do it, then malware can do it, too. How can AVG scan for folders and files that are invisible to Windows?
This question really applies to all antivirus programs. I'm wondering is whether AVG (and all other antivirus software) checks for hidden - I mean really hidden - files. There are programs that allow you to hide a folder so that anyone using your computer won't even know it's there. Does AVG check for folders and files like that? If not, doesn't that leave a user vulnerable to a virus which is hiding its folder and files from the OS?
Hello Dan. Thank you very much for taking the time to write. My name is Shawn and I am writing to you on behalf of the AVG Senior Support team.
Specific to your concern, many programs (often security-related) password protect their files for legitimate reasons. AVG doesn't know the password or have any way of using it even if it did. Once the password is supplied, by whatever program is using these files, AVG will check the files when they are actually run. If it turns out that something is hidden, Avast will block it.
Simply clarified, while they are hidden or in their password-protected state, the files pose no threat to you or your system.
I trust this explanation helps clarify your concern. Regards, Shawn
Hello Daniel,
We'd like to assure you that the AVG Antivirus Free/AVG Internet Security will indeed scan for any 'Hidden' files, folders present in your device. So you needn't worry, as your device will not be left vulnerable to any malware present in the hidden folders.
Hope this information helps clarify your concern. Please write back to us if you have further queries.
Could you please give examples for the Files and Folder that are invisible to the Windows?
Dan, along with the windows service the first application that would run on your PC is the antivirus program.
Hence, even when a hidden file is trying to run or execute on the PC and if it cause a potential threat, then AVG would definitely block it.
To be simple, if any threat is trying to emerge or execute from hidden files, then it will be visible or available as a service on a device.
Hence, real time protection of AVG antivirus will be able to detect this suspicious activity and block it, if there is a potential threat.
Hope this explanation clarifies your concern!
Thank you. I'm still not convinced. I'm assuming (perhaps incorrectly) that it's not Windows that gives priority to an antivirus program to load first, but rather, that AVG uses some kind of technique to ensure that it's first to load. If that's true, then why couldn't malware use a similar technique to place itself first in the loading order, replacing AVG as the first program to load?
Our pleasure, Dan. Have a great day. Stay safe!
OH!SOFT - Secret Folder Introduce
That's just one of many programs that perform the same function. (Ignore the runtime error when the program starts. The program works.)
Thank you for sharing the link, Dan.
We've forwarded your concern to our higher level support. They'll review your case and will write back to you as soon as possible.
Your patience is appreciated.
What if such a hidden file sets itself to run the next time the system boots before AVG does? If it's not hidden, AVG will hopefully detect the threat when it scans files, but if it's hidden . . .
Thank you for your swift response. I just want to make sure that we're on the same page. I'm not talking about folders and files that can be set to Hidden by changing its attribute. I'm talking about proprietary software that can hide folders and files from even Windows. Because if proprietary software can do it, then malware can do it, too. How can AVG scan for folders and files that are invisible to Windows?