Many people will see a process called avp.exe in the task manager when their computer suddenly slows down or a strange prompt pops up. Is this process a guardian to protect system security, or is it a virus disguised and waiting for opportunities to lurk? Understanding its true identity is extremely important for computer security protection.
The normal identity of avp.exe
avp.exe is the core component of anti-virus software developed by Kaspersky Lab. Since Kaspersky launched its first commercial product in 1997, this process has been responsible for real-time monitoring. When you install Kaspersky anti-virus software, Internet security suite or all-round security software, this process will run automatically as the system starts.
Scanning active programs in the memory is one of its main responsibilities. Checking the read and write operations of hard disk files is also its main responsibility. Monitoring network data volume is also its main responsibility. In Windows 10 or Windows 11 systems, you can find it under the "Processes" tab of the Task Manager. It is usually displayed as "Kaspersky Anti-Virus" or a similar description. This process will continue to occupy a certain amount of CPU and memory resources, which is a manifestation of its normal work.
Process core functionality
The real-time protection function of this process will intercept malicious files originating from USB flash drives, malicious files coming from email attachments, and malicious files downloaded from web pages. For example, in 2025, when you download a suspicious compressed package from a website, avp.exe will immediately analyze the compressed package and pop up a warning window if a threat is detected. It also prevents ransomware from encrypting your documents.
There is also a key function called self-protection. In order to prevent viruses from causing the anti-virus software itself to be terminated or damaged, avp.exe uses driver-level protection technology. This means that in Windows systems, ordinary programs and even some system tools cannot forcibly end the process, thereby ensuring the continuity of security protection.
How to identify genuine processes
There are several simple methods to confirm whether avp.exe on your computer is legal. First check the file path. The real Kaspersky process is usually in the "C:Program Files (x86)Kaspersky Lab" or "C:Program FilesKaspersky Lab" directory. Right-click on the process in the Task Manager and select "Open the location of the file" to verify.
To check the digital signature, right-click the exe file and go to the "Digital Signature" tab in "Properties". The legal signer should be "Kaspersky Lab" or "AO Kaspersky Lab". If you find this process on a computer that does not have any Kaspersky products installed, or if it appears in a strange location such as a temporary folder, you should be on high alert.
Common ways to disguise viruses
Criminals who often wreak havoc on the Internet often use the names of well-known security processes to disguise themselves. Starting around 2010, security software manufacturers became aware of a number of malicious programs that disguised themselves as avp.exe. These harmful programs may be spread through pirated software download sites, phishing email attachments, or bundled in illegal cracking tools.
These disguised viruses are often written in languages such as Visual Basic and processed through compression shells such as UPX. The purpose is to reduce the file size and bypass the static signature detection of early anti-virus software. Their main purposes are to steal bank account passwords, turn computers into botnet nodes, or pop up a large number of advertising windows.
What to do if you encounter a suspicious process
Once you notice a suspicious avp.exe process, don't delete it manually immediately. You must first disconnect from the network, and then use another safe computer to download the official uninstall tool or special scanner from Kaspersky's official website, just like the KVRT tool, to conduct a comprehensive check of the system offline.
If it is determined to be a virus, you can use the Kaspersky virus removal tool or Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool to clean it up. For stubborn viruses, you may have to enter Windows safe mode to operate. After cleaning, it is recommended to change the passwords of all important accounts because viruses may have stolen sensitive information.
Tips for keeping your system secure
The key to ensuring safety is to only purchase and download software from Kaspersky’s official website or authorized resellers. The virus database must be updated regularly. Kaspersky generally pushes updates many times a day. And turn on the automatic update function of the operating system to repair security vulnerabilities in a timely manner.
It is recommended to conduct a thorough scan of the entire disk every six months, and to regularly back up important data to a mobile hard drive or the cloud. For older versions of software that no longer receive security updates, such as Kaspersky 2019 and earlier versions, they should be upgraded to new product versions in a timely manner to obtain continued protection.
When you use your computer on a daily basis, what are the exact signs that you first discovered that you may be infected with a virus or have suspicious processes? You are welcome to share your experiences and security tips in the comment area. If you find this article helpful, please like it and share it with more friends.
