A virus scanner is a software designed to protect computer, tablet or mobile devices from malicious viruses and malware. Most antivirus programs utilize multiple methods to detect and clean up malware from a device. Some scans run automatically, others are initiated by users, and some use heuristic detection to attempt to identify malware behavior. Many antivirus programs also include backup options for restoring files and data after a device is cleaned up.
Top Virus Scanners You Should Consider for Maximum Protection
A basic virus scanner identifies malware by looking for characteristic patterns that are common to all copies of the virus. These patterns can be a string of characters that the virus will display on the screen when it is activated or they can be binary computer code or other types of data. These patterns are compiled by technicians at companies specializing in computer security and are made available on security Websites for download by virus scanners to bring their internal pattern lists up to date.
These patterns are a good way to catch many types of viruses, but they are not foolproof. Virus writers can modify these signature strings to develop new viruses or hide their activity using techniques such as polymorphic viruses. The best defense against these and other threats is to regularly perform virus scans and to always keep your antivirus program up to date.
It is a good idea to schedule regular full and quick scanning, which should be done during downtimes when the computer or mobile device can be left active but not being used. Make sure you allow sufficient time for the scan to complete – quick scans may take less than half an hour, while a full system scan can take several hours or more. It is also important to periodically review the results of virus scans and follow any instructions for dealing with quarantined items.
