Antivirus

Problem

Some antiviruses flag HFS as a threat, even though I know for sure the files are legitimate and good. This happens mostly on Windows, where such software tends to be a bit on the scaremonger edge.

This probably happens because HFS executables are not signed (a long and expensive procedure), and because they change frequently (especially if you updates beta versions).

I've also heard that HFS (version 2 at least) has been used as a tool in some malicious activities, but as any tool it can be used for good or evil. Unaware if it was installed by the user or an attacker, some antiviruses decided to just report or even delete it.

Solution

At the moment, our best suggestion is to exclude the folder with hfs.exe from being scanned. Normally, it is better to exclude each new file, as it’s safer, but I’ve seen Windows Defender act without giving any feedback, wasting a lot of my time thinking of a bug when it was just deleting my files without alerting me. This doesn’t seem practical for most people.

How

These instructions may change with the Windows version and different languages:

• Go to Windows settings > Security > Virus & threat protection
• Manage settings
• Add or remove exclusion
• Add > Folder
• Select HFS folder

Instructions by Microsoft