Ransomware continues to be one of the most dangerous and costly types of cyberattacks in 2025. These malicious programs encrypt your personal or business files and demand payment in exchange for access. But with AVG Antivirus, you get a smart and powerful defense against these threats. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how AVG Antivirus protects your system against ransomware, the tools it uses, and why it’s one of the most reliable options available today.
Understanding Ransomware: Why It’s a Big Deal
Ransomware is a type of malware that takes control of your files, encrypting them and rendering them unusable. Attackers then demand a ransom—often in cryptocurrency—in return for the decryption key. Even if you pay, there’s no guarantee your data will be restored. That’s why prevention is the most effective solution.
Cybercriminals target individuals, small businesses, and even large enterprises. One wrong click on a malicious email attachment or suspicious download can trigger a ransomware attack. The costs aren’t just financial—they also include downtime, data loss, and reputational damage.
1. AVG Ransomware Shield – Dedicated Defense
AVG includes a dedicated Ransomware Shield as part of its premium packages. This tool provides real-time, proactive protection by monitoring programs that attempt to access or alter your files. It acts like a gatekeeper, allowing only trusted applications to modify or encrypt documents, spreadsheets, photos, and other critical files.
How It Works
You can customize which folders to protect—such as your Desktop, Documents, and Photos—and AVG ensures that only verified apps can make changes. This prevents ransomware from hijacking your files in the first place.
2. Real-Time File Monitoring
AVG Antivirus runs in the background with real-time scanning, constantly monitoring your system for suspicious behavior. It uses signature-based detection as well as heuristic analysis to identify both known ransomware variants and new, emerging threats.
Benefits
-
Detects ransomware before it launches
-
Stops unauthorized processes from encrypting files
-
Sends alerts for any detected activity, allowing you to act quickly
This active monitoring is one of the most crucial aspects of AVG’s ransomware protection, ensuring threats are caught before any damage is done.
3. Behavioral Shield – Smarter Threat Detection
AVG also includes a Behavior Shield, which enhances ransomware detection using advanced behavioral analysis. Rather than relying solely on virus definitions, this shield watches for apps that behave suspiciously—such as attempting to encrypt multiple files rapidly or accessing protected folders without permission.
Why It Matters
Ransomware is evolving. Many new variants are designed to bypass traditional detection methods. AVG’s behavior-based technology gives it the ability to recognize and stop ransomware attacks in real time, even if it’s a brand-new strain the software hasn’t seen before.
4. Cloud-Based Threat Updates
AVG uses cloud-based threat detection, meaning that it updates its database regularly with the latest threats discovered worldwide. The moment a ransomware strain is identified in one location, that information is shared globally across AVG users.
Why It’s Effective
This system provides quicker response times and wider protection coverage. You don’t need to manually update anything—AVG automatically updates its threat definitions and behavior rules in real time, keeping you ahead of attackers.
5. Data Backup and Recovery Tools
While AVG’s primary goal is to prevent ransomware from reaching your data, it also supports recovery. If you use AVG’s broader security suite (like AVG Ultimate), you gain access to performance and backup tools that help you restore system health and recover lost files.
Extra Protection
By integrating secure cloud storage or external backup solutions with AVG, you ensure that even if ransomware slips through, your important files are safe and can be recovered without paying a ransom.
6. Web & Email Protection
Many ransomware attacks originate from phishing emails or unsafe websites. AVG helps prevent infection at the source by scanning:
-
Email attachments
-
Embedded links
-
Downloaded files
-
Websites and URLs
The Web Shield and Email Protection tools prevent you from accidentally triggering a ransomware download, offering a first line of defense even before files reach your hard drive.
7. Firewall and Network Protection
For users on AVG Internet Security and AVG Ultimate, a robust firewall adds another layer of protection. It blocks unauthorized connections and stops ransomware from communicating with its command-and-control servers, which are often used to activate the encryption payload or receive stolen data.
8. Automatic Software Updates
Outdated software is a common gateway for ransomware attacks. AVG ensures your antivirus and protection tools are always current with automatic updates, which helps close vulnerabilities quickly and reduce your risk exposure.
How to Maximize AVG’s Ransomware Protection
To get the most out of AVG’s anti-ransomware features, here are a few quick tips:
-
Enable Ransomware Shield and customize protected folders
-
Keep your software updated with auto-update enabled
-
Avoid opening suspicious emails or clicking unknown links
-
Back up your files regularly using AVG tools or external methods
-
Use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts
-
Install AVG on all devices you use to access important data
Conclusion
In an age where ransomware is more rampant and dangerous than ever, AVG Antivirus stands out with its multi-layered defense strategy. From the specialized Ransomware Shield to real-time behavioral monitoring, email protection, and AI-enhanced threat detection, AVG gives users reliable, comprehensive protection.
By investing in AVG and following basic cybersecurity best practices, you’re not just reducing the chances of a ransomware attack—you’re actively taking control of your digital safety. Whether you’re an individual user or managing multiple devices, AVG Antivirus 2025 provides the tools you need to stay protected against one of today’s most dangerous cyber threats.
