Threat Descriptions

Hidden items

Classification

Category :

Malware

Type :

Other

Platform :

W32

Aliases :

Hidden items, Hidden items, stealth_file, stealth drive, hidden_drive

Summary

A hidden item (such as a stealth file or hidden drive) was found on the computer.

Removal

Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it will either move the file to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or remove it.

Sending a sample to F-Secure Labs

As hidden items are often related to malware, we ask that you consider sending us a sample of the hidden files to F-Secure Labs via the Submit A Sample (SAS) for further analysis.

Since the files are hidden, you might not be able to access them directly. To access the files, you might need to do one of the following:

  • Start your computer in safe mode. In safe mode, the files may become visible. To do so, you may need to refer to the relevant Microsoft documentation for your specific operating system version.
  • Rename the files. After renaming the files and restarting the computer, the files may become visible. In some cases, the computer must be started in safe mode after renaming for it to be successful.
  • Reboot your system using Windows Recovery Console. The files should be accessible when using the Recovery Console.

Alternatively, if the hidden files are related to the Master Boot Record (MBR), you may use the following instructions:

A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:

  • Check for the latest database updates

    First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.

  • Submit a sample

    After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.

    Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.

  • Exclude a file from further scanning

    If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.

    Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

Technical Details

Hidden processes, files and applications are by default treated as suspicious items. The presence of these items may indicate either of the following:

  • A normal, non-malicious application may be deliberately hidden (for security, efficiency or some other reason):
    • Some system files may be hidden in accounts with lower privileges (e.g., set up for guests or children)
    • Digital Rights Management (DRM): Copyright-protection software included on some music CDs can hide files and processes
  • OR the presence of malware (a stealth virus, rootkit or spyware) on the computer: