Avgntflt.sys: What It Is & Should I Remove It?

When it comes to computer security, it’s important to stay informed about potential threats and vulnerabilities. One file that may catch your attention is avgntflt.sys. In this article, we will explore what avgntflt.sys is, whether you should remove it, and whether it is considered malware or not.

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What is avgntflt.sys?

Avgntflt.sys is a system file associated with Avira Antivirus, a popular antivirus software. It is a driver file that plays a crucial role in the functioning of Avira’s real-time protection feature. The file is responsible for monitoring and filtering file operations on your computer to detect and prevent potential threats.

As a driver file, avgntflt.sys is located in the Windows system folder, typically found in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers directory. It is loaded during the system startup and remains active in the background while your computer is running.

Should you remove avgntflt.sys?

Removing avgntflt.sys is not recommended unless you have a specific reason to do so. The file is an essential component of Avira Antivirus and removing it may cause the antivirus software to malfunction or become non-functional.

If you are experiencing issues with Avira Antivirus or suspect that avgntflt.sys is causing problems, it is advisable to seek assistance from Avira’s support team or consult their official documentation. They can provide guidance on troubleshooting and resolving any issues related to avgntflt.sys.

However, if you have uninstalled Avira Antivirus and no longer intend to use it, you can safely remove avgntflt.sys from your system. It is always a good practice to uninstall software properly to ensure that all associated files and drivers are removed.

Is avgntflt.sys malware?

No, avgntflt.sys is not considered malware. It is a legitimate system file associated with Avira Antivirus. However, it is worth noting that malware authors sometimes use similar names to disguise their malicious files and processes. This technique is known as “file name spoofing” and is used to deceive users into thinking that a file is legitimate when it is actually harmful.

To ensure that avgntflt.sys on your system is not a malicious file, it is recommended to perform a thorough scan using reliable antivirus software. One such software is Malwarebytes Free, which is known for its effectiveness in detecting and removing malware.

If the scan detects any suspicious files or activities related to avgntflt.sys, it is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate the potential threat. Quarantine or remove any identified malware to protect your system and data from harm.

Summary

In summary, avgntflt.sys is a system file associated with Avira Antivirus. It is responsible for the real-time protection feature of the antivirus software, monitoring and filtering file operations on your computer. Removing avgntflt.sys is not recommended unless you have uninstalled Avira Antivirus and no longer intend to use it.

While avgntflt.sys is not considered malware, it is essential to stay vigilant and ensure that the file on your system is legitimate. Performing regular scans with reliable antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes Free, can help detect and remove any potential threats.

Remember, maintaining a strong and up-to-date antivirus software, along with practicing safe browsing habits, is crucial for protecting your computer and personal information from malicious actors.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

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    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

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    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

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    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

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    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

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    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

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    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.