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Symantec uses rootkit-type techniques for hide files

News.com reports

Symantec has released an update to its popular Norton SystemWorks to fix a security problem that could be abused by cybercriminals to hide malicious software

In the PC-tuning application, a feature called the Norton Protected Recycle Bin creates a hidden directory on Windows systems. The feature is meant to help people restore modified or deleted files, but the hidden folder might not be scanned during scheduled or manual virus scans.
Symantec said in an advisory released Tuesday.

This could potentially provide a location for an attacker to hide a malicious file on a computer

The Norton update will display the previously hidden “NProtect” directory in the Windows interface, which will allow it to be scanned by antivirus products, Symantec said. The new version is available through the Symantec LiveUpdate service. Installing the software will require a system reboot.