When choosing the best antivirus software for your device, it’s important to know how to use it – otherwise you could pay for a service that doesn’t actually protect anything.
Running a virus scan is actually quite easy. You open an antivirus of your choice, clicking the normally prominent ‘scan button, wait for the program to do its stuff and take care of something that is marked. Or at least it is at the heart of it and the minimum that a user can do.
In reality, the process may have a little more for it than. So we decided to write a detailed guide to performing virus scans and everything else that comes with it, such as protecting all your devices.
Choose the correct security software
Before we get to the current case, choosing the right software for the job is the first step in performing a proper virus scan. Personal antivirus tools are a dime a dozen with a lot of features and additional security options that go beyond just running a virus scan.
Without a lack of opportunities in the market that sporting different functions, the key is to distinguish between the things you need and what you can do without. That said, it is always a good idea to choose an antivirus that has these features:
Bonus points if the software is lightweight so it doesn’t slow down your system. That said, you will avoid free tools with excessive ads, bad reviews, or that come together with bloatware.
Keep your antivirus updated
It is wise to do a preparation work before the scan as it is something you will not forget. This includes doing (boring but important) things like updating antivirus definitions and signatures, applying the latest software patches and the like, either automatically or manually.
The main reason you need to do this is that malware develops rapidly, not thanks to the increasing use of AI. As a result, users face all kinds of attacks, such as advanced persistent threats, ransomware-as-a-service or targeted attacks. Granted, it is more likely that companies (big and small) will be attacked by more advanced threats, although individual users are also not exempt from it, especially if they have valuable data on their devices.
Therefore, outdated software can easily miss these threats or just fail to protect you completely and then you will be in quite a pickle. In the best case, your device will now be very slow with subpar performance, which causes a great clean -up, and it is always a hassle.
If you are using a subscription -based software, it may be an idea to keep the renewal option on so that you do not end up without any protection.
If you are not aware that your device has been infected, note that there are always signs. These include, but are not limited to, sudden slow performance, excessive ads, new browser tool lines or search engines, apps that open or go down on their own, unknown files or shortcuts on desktop and more. In the event that any of these happen, you must run a full scan immediately.
Select an appropriate scan type
When it comes to actual scans, there are several types available, with some more suitable than others depending on the needs. A quick scan can be a good choice for routine operations and daily or continuous monitoring of areas at high risk such as memory or system files.
A full or deep scan takes time and is more appropriate for weekly or monthly control across all files, especially after patch cycles or security events. It checks each file, app, folder and system component of your device, but it takes a long time.
In case of newly introduced devices, a custom scan will be done, more if a targeted scan on high value and suspicious folders is required. USB drives are a good example.
In some cases, a starting time scan may be the best option if malware is deeply embedded. This type of scan runs before an operating system starts when catching hidden or rootkit malware.
No matter what occasion, automated and politically driven scanning plans are important as they minimize manual work and guarantee consistency.
Execution of scans
With all preparation for place we have reached the core of this guide – in fact, a scan runs. There should be no complications here, as with the right tool, to perform a scan is straightforward and easy. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
For example, do not need heavy apps while scanning because they may slip the scan and your system. Antivirus software has the ability to pause the scan, then 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 charged and connected. This may sound silly, but people sometimes forget the simplest things.
During the scan, your antivirus can potentially detect unwanted programs called pups. It is usually adware but does not ignore them as they can very easily be malicious.
Remember, the goal here is to minimize operational disturbance while still maintaining a thorough security coverage.
Analysis of scan results and take action
When the scan is done, it’s time to go over the results. Just detecting malware is not enough. Detailed reporting is a must and the reports must include threat names, severity, affected files and recommended actions. This is obvious under the assumption that something harmful was found.
In this case, try to correlate detections with known vulnerabilities if there is any. Otherwise, make sure you read the report thoroughly so that you are aware of what you are dealing with.
If the threat is detected, there must be a structured answer to it (preferably a quick one) before the damage is done. As a minimum, you will reduce its influence.
Learn to know what kind of it is and either quarantine or erase it. Usually malware or suspicious files are auto-quarantine or deleted from the system, but it never hurts to control.
In some situations, perform a device start as some malware cannot be removed while the operating system is running. For especially annoying threats that continue to return, try to scan and reinstall the antivirus.
You can always manually remove the infected file by following the antivirus instructions. This should not be a problem as most best rated AVs are able to deal with problems like these. If all else fails, you might choose another antivirus – you might be more successful.
What’s more, it’s not a bad idea to maintain exportable logs if you need to learn more about the threat or google it.
Afterwards, it is a good idea to analyze how malware came in. For example, malicious files often come into your system through phishing, upset vulnerabilities or another method. It is important to know so that it does not happen again.
Security measures after scanning
When the immediate threat is neutralized, there is still some work left. Namely:
- Patcher operating systems and applications to remove vulnerabilities
- Change Passwords if Keyloggers or Legitimation -Tell Malware were detected
- Perform a system backup after confirmation that the system is clean
- Maintain a regular backup and restore plan
Most antivirus programs allow you to automate scans and activate real -time protection, so make sure you do so. You can plan weekly fast scans, run full scans monthly, be notified if definitions are outdated, and so on.
Generally, antivirus works best when set and forgotten – that is, after configuring it properly and thoroughly. However, be sure to always check the reports.
There is a human element to keep your device free of viruses, namely:
- Avoid clicking on unknown links or E -Mail —to attached files
- Download only legitimate software from official sites
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account
- Backups important files to a cloud service or an external drive
- Keep your browser and plugins up to date
- Enable Multi-Factor Authorization where possible
Regular virus scans make all the difference
In today’s technology -leading world, cybersecurity plays a huge role that only grows with each new attack and data violation. So regular virus scans go a long way in helping you keep you secure online. They will protect intellectual property, financial data and personal information as well as avert down time, performance and time loss and several other things that can hurt an everyday user.
As such, consumers should consider integrating virus scan into their daily online activities and device use. After all, prevention is the best medicine.
