If you use the Avira antivirus program, you likely got hit with a big problem for a number of hours late on Monday and earlier today. ZDNet reports that the software program downloaded a new update, along with a new antivirus definitions file, that caused the software to falsely detect malware in major PC programs.
The 8.2.10.64 update for Avira, for Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 PCs, caused the software to say that malware existed in programs such as Explorer, Internet Explorer, Notepad, the Windows Task Manager and many more. In addition, the faulty update also blocked the use of a number of other Microsoft and third party programs.
This issue apparently lasted for about 12 hours for the many millions of PC users who have the Avira software installed. Earlier today, the company announced via its Facebook page that it has released yet another update to the software that should fix the problem. The message added, "We deeply regret any difficulties that this may have caused you. Thank you for your patience and understanding!"
This update issue only affected users of the paid version of Avira. The free version of the software does not receive the same kinds of updates and thus was not affected.