A packer is a tool that compresses, encrypts or obfuscates executable files. Malware authors often use packers to conceal threats from detection by antivirus software. Packed.Generic.397 detects a packer that is not known to be used for legitimate purposes.
This heuristic detection is used to detect threats associated with the following family:
Files that are detected as Packed.Generic.397 are considered malicious. We suggest that any files you believe are incorrectly detected should be submitted to Symantec Security Response. For instructions on how to do this using Scan and Deliver, read
Submit Virus Samples.
Symantec Security Response encourages all users and administrators to adhere to the following basic security "best practices":