Is there a virus that attacks anti-virus program?

Asked by prasad (3859

) October 18th, 2009

I’m asking this because I had problems with AVG 8.5 free. It removed many of Windows system files; I had to reformat PC. I thought it might be because of Vista Inspirat 1.1 (Vista theme for XP), but my friend with plain XP also had same problems with AVG 8.5 free. And, back when on fresh XP with the Vista theme, I installed the AVG and scanned the computer, no virus showed up. I keep updating it on net. Some say viruses come through these updates only for free antivirus.
Now, I have plain XP (SP 3) with XP media center theme (Energy Blue/Royal theme) that comes with Windows updates. I have purchased Net Protector 2010.

What do you think, is there or are there such viruses?

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4 Answers

Yes, there were such viruses in the past. However, they usually wouled either prevent antivirus from starting, or getting updates, or would uninstall antivirus you have. What you described doesn’t look like a virus attacking your antivirus, though, more like some issue with AVG.

gagara (102

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Almost all the real threats nowadays will try to control anti-virus software. That is why you often need to boot from another source to scan and rectify the afflicted drive.

What you describe does NOT sound like a virus or AVG problem. It will not remove system files unannounced.

DarkScribe (15505

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There have been a variety of viruses that attempt to hijack your anti-virus (and anti-spyware) software. That said, AVG has had it’s share of problems since moving from version 7 to version 8. If you’re after a really good free anti-virus, check out Avira. Use this in conjunction with Malwarebytes (anti-spyware) to keep your system secure.

kazfernandes (18

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@kazfernandes Thanks and Welcome to Fluther!

prasad (3859

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