How To Run a Virus Scan [Explained]
Think your computer might be infected with a virus? You need to run a virus scan immediately. The question is how?
IT security vulnerabilities are at an all-time high with over 27,000 software security issues registered in 2021. US businesses lost over $5 billion last year due to reported cybercrime. Keeping safe from zero-day threats and malicious malware is now essential in a connected world.
This article explains how to run a virus scan to keep your devices and data safe.
Discover the different types of virus scans and how they protect you. Learn how to run a scan on the major antivirus apps. See why a managed solution is the best way to defend yourself
Read on to find out how to check your device for rogue code and why hiring an expert team is worth the investment.
What Is a Computer Virus?
Like the global pandemic, a computer virus causes havoc by infecting one IT device to the next.
A virus is a malicious piece of code that can replicate itself to infect other systems. Effects range from altering how your Internet browser works to deleting files and apps. Once infected, the virus will attempt to pass itself onto your contacts list or through your network.
A modern virus often spreads via:
Malicious websites
Infected music files or PDFs
Spam email
Free games and apps
But how do you know that your device doesn't already have a virus? What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of a Computer Virus
Is your computer running more slowly than usual? Does the screen blink or flash in an erratic way? Have some of your data files disappeared for no reason?
These are some of the signs that you might have a virus or malware. Yet, the worst virus lies dormant on your system waiting to activate.
A botnet comprises hundreds or even thousands of infected devices. When the cybercriminal triggers the malicious code each of those computers becomes a slave to their bidding.
Botnets are often used to cripple websites or hack into secure servers. There's little you can do except try to remove the virus. But that's not always possible.
That's why it's essential to scan your system for any threats before it becomes too late.
What Does an Antivirus Scan Do?
A virus scan checks your system for any known or perceived threats and tags them for removal.
The top antivirus software providers keep lists of thousands of malware code signatures. They can spot a rogue file or an infected document and try to clean it. The best virus scans also monitor your system and log their findings.
Cybersecurity software checks any inbound threats and blocks at the source. Combined with a managed service from iFixOmaha, you can be certain that your network remains safe at all times.
Types of Virus Scans
The best virus scan software provides the following options to test your device for threats:
Quick Scan - checks common files and folders and takes several minutes
Full Scan - thorough scanning of all files and connected devices
Custom Scan - choose a folder or file to scan
Scheduled Scan - preset scan times
Traditional malware threats often targeted Windows PC users but Mac and mobile phone users are not exempt.
Apple Mac owners can run a virus scan using specialized cybersecurity apps. Android users can add antivirus software through the Google Play Store App. iPhone and iPad owners can do likewise through the App Store.
Once you have the antivirus software open how do you start the scan?
Contact us today!
Discover how iFixOmaha can solve your cybersecurity needs.
How to Run a Virus Scan
The virus scan options noted above are available on all major antivirus apps. Below are three of the most common, with steps to activate them.
Before you begin the scan be sure to back up your files.
It's good practice to perform a daily backup of essential data and store it securely off-site. Also, if you believe your system's corrupted by a virus, disconnect it from the Internet.
Finally, make sure you only have one antivirus app installed. Multiple apps can conflict and produce false results.
Windows Security and Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Window Security comes free with Windows 10+ and includes the Microsoft Defender antivirus app.
You can scan an individual file by simply right-clicking it. Choose 'Scan with Microsoft Defender'. When the Windows Security app opens, click 'Scan Now' at the bottom.
To view all of the virus scan options on Windows 10 type 'Windows Security' into the search bar at the bottom of the screen.
Tap on the Windows Security app to open it. You'll see a summary of security issues here. Click on 'Virus and threat protection' on the left to open Defender. Click on 'Scan Options' to view all possible choices.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus
After installing and opening Kaspersky Anti-Virus you'll see several options including 'Database Update'. Click on this button to ensure all of your virus definitions are up-to-date then click 'Scan'.
You can choose the type of scan from this screen. Then go and make a cup of coffee while it checks your system!
McAfee Antivirus
McAfee has a rich history of virus scanning and removal tools. Their current cybersecurity suite covers web and identity security too.
Simply click on 'Scan my PC for threats' at the bottom to begin the virus scan. You can choose to run it in the background and pause/cancel the scan if you wish.
Remote Antivirus and Security Monitoring
Not everyone feels comfortable installing or running antivirus software. Many business users don't have the time to fit it into their hectic schedules. How then do you ensure that your system's kept safe?
A managed antivirus and security service is the best way to ensure you're always protected.
A remote service provider like iFixOmaha constantly monitors your network for issues. We actively run a virus scan when you're not using your computer too.
The result is no hassle and no downtime.
Managed Antivirus Scan Solutions With iFixOmaha
A virus scan can detect dangerous code on your device before it can do damage. However, if you forget to scan then you leave yourself open to digital threats.
iFixOmaha is a managed IT cybersecurity provider. That means our team of experts manages computer and network security on your behalf.
With 24/7 system monitoring, we will ensure your devices and data are kept safe at all times. We also offer a residential service for a low annual fee which includes a complimentary IT support session.
Contact us today to discover how iFixOmaha can solve your cybersecurity needs.
