Questions

[williedblack]

This is my first time using Avast Free Antivirus and I'm trying to find out what "Resolve All" will do to my files list as "Sensitive items are prime targets for attack"?

[DavidR]

I assume (not wise) that was after running a Smart Scan  ?

If so, I'm pretty sure that you would be invited to Purchase a paid version of Avast that covers that area.
If not, what was it that indicated this weakness  ?

[williedblack]

Yes that was after running Smart Scan.

They were pdf, doc & xls files. The weakness was 'Advanced threats could possibly hold these files hostage'.  What I don't want to happen when I select 'Resolve All' is that it deletes these files. So I'm trying to find out what it will do to these files when I select the option to 'Resolve All'?

Thanks

[DavidR]

Well there would be no point in deleting those files as that is hardly resolving/protecting them.

These files could well be targets of ransomware, I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be deleted by the use of the Resolve All button, but throw up the option to purchase a product.

--  With a resident (on-access) scanner the need for on-demand scans is much depreciated. For the most part dormant/inert files are being scanned, the other active files are going to be scanned by the resident shields when they are activated.  This applies equally for the Smart Scan, which in the Avast Free antivirus program is more a vehicle to offer further paid protection.

[DavidR]

Just to show what is likely when you click Resolve (it goes through several stages) I ran a Smart Scan, see attached images.

Some actually do something, but it rather depends on what it displays.

[kitmubet]

This is my first time using Avast Free Antivirus and I'm trying to find out what "Resolve All" will do to my files list as "Sensitive items are prime targets for attack"?

Basing on the wording  "Sensitive items are prime targets for attack"  its probably the PAID Feature Sensitive Data Shield

so no it doesnt delete the files but seems to restrict programs and/or other user/local account from having READ access to said files based on the FAQ below
https://support.avast.com/en-ww/article/antivirus-sensitive-data-shield-faq/#pc

the Advance Issue part of the Smart Scan are marketing for paid feature though

im just using the free version also im just basing from the FAQ

on a side note Avast Free have Ransomware Shield which restrict untrusted program from Writing/Modifying files on protected Folders

[williedblack]

Thanks to Both for your responses. 

[MrDJ]

As previously said, it just puts a layer of protection on docs and pdf so if you was attacked they couldnt modify them for ransom.
I get this daily as i deal with patient data for the nhs and i can confirm in no way does it remove or delete them.

[DavidR]

Thanks to Both for your responses. 

You're welcome.