How Folder Shield works

Folder Shield adds an extra layer of defense that limits access to files within the protected folders in multiple user accounts. Folder Shield also prevents ransomware from maliciously encrypting your files and holding them hostage until you pay the attacker.

It is the last layer of protection against ransomware. Folder Shield prevents every process or service, unless added in the Exception List, from accessing the files inside the protected folder. The Folder Shield feature is like the Windows Operating System's User Account Control, but more aggressive.

Set up Folder Shield

1. Open the main console:
   • Double-click the Trend Micro icon on your desktop.
   • Double-click the Trend Micro icon on your system tray (near the clock).
2. Click Data.

   

3. Click Configure for Folder Shield.

   

4. An Introduction Window will appear. Read the introduction, then click OK.

   

   
   

   If you do not want the Introduction window to appear everytime you access Folder Shield, tick Don't show this introduction again before clicking OK.

5. To choose folders that you want to protect, click on Protect More.

   

6. Select the folders you want to protect, then click OK.

   

   
   

   A Setup Complete Window will appear after you have successfully selected folders that will be protected.

   

7. Click Done to close the window and enable your settings.

Add a folder to protect

To add a folder that you want to protect, click the Manage Folder button.

Add or remove a program to the Trusted Program List

To allow programs to access your files, you can add it to the Trusted programs list:

1. Click Data on the main console.
2. Click Configure for Folder Shield.
3. Click the Trusted Program List link.

   

4. Click Add.

   

5. Click Browse. Search for the program you want that can access files protected by Folder Shield, then click OK.

   

   You can only add one program at a time.

6. Click Done to save the changes.

   To remove a program on the list, tick the box of the program, then click Remove.

Block this program?

You received the "Block this program?" pop-up message from your Trend Micro Security program when an unknown process tries to access your files protected by Folder Shield. Below are sample images of Folder Shield blocking WCRY ransomware attacks:

In this case, we suggest you to click Block which is the recommended action.

Turn OFF Folder Shield

1. Open the main console:
   • Double-click the Trend Micro icon on your desktop.
   • Double-click the Trend Micro icon on your system tray (near the clock).
2. Click Data.

   

3. Click Configure for Folder Shield.

   

4. Drag the slider as shown below to the left.

   

5. To turn it back ON, just drag the slider to the right.