AVG False Positive: Kaspersky Updates

TL;DR

AVG antivirus sometimes incorrectly flags legitimate Kaspersky update files as a trojan. This guide explains how to report the false positive, temporarily disable AVG’s detection of these files (as a workaround), and ensure your system remains protected.

Solution Guide

1. Understand the Problem: AVG can mistakenly identify Kaspersky update components as malicious software. This is called a ‘false positive’. It doesn’t mean you are actually infected; it means AVG’s definitions are too aggressive and need updating or an exception needs to be created.
   • Kaspersky updates are essential for keeping your cyber security protection up-to-date.
   • Disabling your antivirus completely is not recommended as a long-term solution. We’ll focus on temporary exceptions and reporting the issue.
2. Report the False Positive to AVG: This is the most important step! Reporting helps AVG improve their detection accuracy.
   • Visit the AVG False Positive Reporting Page.
   • Download and install the AVG Submission Tool (if prompted).
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to submit the Kaspersky update file(s) that AVG incorrectly identified. You’ll likely need to locate these files in your temporary folders (see Step 3 for locations).
3. Locate the False Positive Files: AVG will usually quarantine or flag files during a scan. Common locations include:
   • Quarantine: Open AVG Antivirus > Protection > Quarantine. Look for files related to Kaspersky (e.g., containing ‘Kaspersky’, ‘klupdater’, or similar).
   • Temporary Folders: Check these folders:

     C:UsersYourUsernameAppDataLocalTemp

     C:WindowsTemp

4. Temporarily Disable Detection (Workaround – Use with Caution): If AVG is blocking Kaspersky updates and you’ve reported the false positive, you can temporarily disable detection of these files. This should only be done as a short-term fix while waiting for AVG to resolve the issue.
   • Open AVG Antivirus > Settings > Exceptions.
   • Click ‘Add Exception’.
   • Choose ‘File or Folder’ and browse to select the folder containing the Kaspersky update files (e.g., C:UsersYourUsernameAppDataLocalTemp). You can also add specific file names if you know them.
   • Alternatively, add an exception for the entire Kaspersky installation directory.
5. Run a Full System Scan: After adding exceptions (or after AVG resolves the issue), run a full system scan with AVG to confirm no other threats are present.
   • Open AVG Antivirus > Protection > Scans > Run a Full Scan.
6. Keep AVG Updated: Ensure your AVG antivirus software is always running the latest virus definitions.
   • Open AVG Antivirus > Settings > General > Update Definitions.
   • Click ‘Update Now’.