When choosing the best antivirus software for your device, it is important to know how to use it; Otherwise, I could pay a service that is not really protecting anything.
Executing a virus scan is really quite easy. Open an antivirus of your choice, click on the ‘scan’ button generally prominent, wait for the program to do its own and take care of anything that is marked. Or at least, that is the essence and the minimum can do a user.
Actually, the process can have a little more than. Then, we decided to write a detailed guide for the realization of virus scanning and everything else that comes with it, such as protecting all its devices.
Select the correct safety software
Before reaching the matter in question, choosing the right software for work is the first step to make an adequate virus exploration. Personal antivirus tools are a ten cents per dozen, with many additional security characteristics and options that go beyond just executing a virus scan.
Without scarcity of options in the market that looks different characteristics, the key is to discern between the things it needs and what can be dispensed with. That said, it is always a good idea to choose an antivirus that has these characteristics:
Bonus points If the software is light so that it does not slow down its system. That said, you want to avoid any free tool with excessive ads, bad criticism or come with Bloatware.
Keep your updated antivirus
It is wise to do some preparation work before scanning, since keeping the antivirus software updated is something that you do not want to forget. This includes doing things (boring but important) such as updating antivirus definitions and firms, applying the last software patches and the like, either automatically or manually.
The main reason why you need to do this is that malware evolves rapidly, not thanks to the growing use of AI. As a result, users face all kinds of attacks, such as advanced persistent threats, ransomware as service or directed attacks. Once, it is more likely that companies (large and small) be attacked by more advanced threats, although individual users are not exempt from it, especially if they have valuable data on their devices.
Therefore, obsolete software can easily lose these threats or simply stop protecting it completely, and then will be in a large pickle. In the best case, your device will now be very slow with poor performance, which will cause great cleaning, and that is always a discomfort.
In addition, if you are using subscription -based software, it could be an idea to maintain the renewal option, so that it does not end without any protection.
If you don’t know that your device has been infected, keep in mind that there are always signs. These include, among others, a sudden slow performance, excessive ads, new browser tools bars or search engines, applications that open or blocked by their own unknown files or shortcuts on the desktop and more. In case any of these happen, run a complete scan immediately.
Choose an appropriate scan type
When it comes to real scanns, there are several types available, with some more suitable than others depending on the needs. A fast scan can be a good option for routine operations and daily or continuous monitoring of high -risk areas such as memory or system files.
A complete or deep scan takes time and is more appropriate for weekly or monthly checks in all files, especially after patch cycles or any safety incident. Verify each file, application, folder and system component on your device, but it takes a long time.
In case of freshly introduced devices, a personalized scan will do the trick, even more so if a scan directed in high value assets and suspicious directories are required. USB units are a good example.
In some cases, a starting time scan could be the best option if malware is deeply integrated. This type of scan is executed before an operating system begins, capturing hidden malware or rootkit.
Whatever the occasion, the automated and policy -based scan schedules are essential, since they minimize manual work and guarantee consistency.
Execution of scanning
With all the preparation instead, we have reached the crux of this guide, actually executing a scan. There should be no complication here, as with the appropriate tool, making a scan is simple and easy. However, there are some things to take into account.
For example, do not use heavy applications while scanning because they can slow down the scan and its system. Antivirus software has the ability to stop scanning, so use that if the device is busy or if you ever need to take a break for other reasons.
If you are using a laptop, keep it loaded and plugged in. This may sound silly, but people sometimes forget the simplest things.
During scan, your antivirus can detect potentially unwanted programs called puppies. It is usually Adware, but do not ignore them, since they can be easily malicious.
Remember, the objective here is to minimize operational interruption while maintaining thorough security coverage.
Analyze the results of the scan and take action
Once the scan is finished, it is time to review the results. Simply detecting malware is not enough. Detailed reports are essential, and reports must include names of threats, gravity classifications, affected files and recommended actions. Obviously, this is supposed to find something harmful.
In that case, you should try to correlate the detections with known vulnerabilities if any. Otherwise, be sure to read the report thoroughly so that you are aware of what you are trying.
If the threat is detected, there must be a structured response (preferably a quick) before the damage is done. At least, you want to reduce its impact.
Know what kind is it, and in quarantine or eliminate it. Normally, malware or suspicious files are automatically produced or erased from the system, but it never hurts to verify.
In some situations, a device will have to be restarted since malware can be removed while the operating system is executed. For particularly annoying threats that continue to return, try to scan at the time of starting and reinstall the antivirus.
You can always manually eliminate the infected file following the antivirus instructions. This should not be a problem, since the majority of the best rating AVs are able to deal with problems like these. If everything else fails, you may choose a different antivirus, you may have more luck.
In addition, it is not a bad idea to keep exportable records in case you need to learn more about the threat or google.
Then it is a good idea to analyze how malware entered. For example, malicious files often enter their system through phishing, non -eyelid vulnerabilities or some other method. It is essential to know so that it does not happen again.
Safety measures after the scanilla
Once the immediate threat is neutralized, there is still some work. Namely:
- Operating systems and patch applications to eliminate vulnerabilities
- Change passwords if Keyloggers or credential robbery were detected
- Make a system backup after confirming that the system is clean
- Maintain a regular backup plan and recovery
Most antivirus programs allow you to automate scans and enable real -time protection, so be sure to do so. You can schedule rapid weekly scans, run complete scanns monthly, receive notifications if the definitions are outdated, etc.
In general terms, the antivirus works better when established and forgotten, that is, after having configured it correctly. However, be sure to always consult the reports.
There is a human element to keep your virus free device, namely:
- Avoid clicking unknown links or email attachments
- Just download the legitimate software of official websites
- Use strong and unique passwords for each account
- Make a backup of important files at a cloud service or an external unit
- Keep your browser and accessories updated
- Enable multifactor authentication whenever possible
Regular virus scans make a difference
In the world led by current technology, cybersecurity plays a very important role that only grows with each new attack and data violation. Therefore, regular virus scans contribute largely to stay safely. They will protect intellectual property, financial data and personal information, as well as to avoid the time of inactivity, performance and waste of time, and many other things that can damage a daily user.
As such, consumers should consider the integration of viruses scan on their daily online activities and their use of the device. After all, prevention is the best medicine.
