What is an antivirus scanner? What it can and what it cannot? (2024)

If you want to know what the term “antivirus scanner” (sometimes: “virus scanner”) means, this article is for you to read. We will start with this question: what is an antivirus scanner? After that, we will figure out the difference between it and antivirus programs in general. Eventually, we will see how do all the mentioned terms correlate with the name “anti-malware software”.

READ ALSO:A worst computer virus in the world. What is it?

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What is an antivirus scanner?

An AV-scanner is a program with a well-defined function – it reads through the drives of your computer to detect malware and potentially unwanted applications. More advanced scanners can also block dangerous files and provide background scanning for real-time protection. But that’s it. Threats removal is the function of other programs.

Although the function of scanners might seem simple, they deploy various methods of threat detection, which is not an easy task since cybercriminals constantly alter existing malware. The approaches include collating files with databases of existing malware, second-guessing malware mutations with the heuristic approach, and finally, a neural-network-based machine learning to recognize malware by its inherent features. The usage of databases is a well-proven method, but it is weak against mutating malware. The other two approaches are still half-experimental and may trigger false positive detections. However, they show brilliant results at times. AV scanners can use more than one detection method, of course.

Antivirus or anti-malware programs (we will explain the difference below) are complexes of various software modules, scanners included, that together provide all-around protection familiar to anyone who has an installed AV. Many security software vendors offer scanners as a sole free function of their products as advertising.

READ ALSO: Safe Browsing in Chrome. How to turn it off/on?

What is other security software out there?

Security software (also security tools) is a term that encompasses all program products that function to increase the safety of your system. These tools vary in their complexity, the extent of user involvement, exclusiveness, and situatedness of usage. And yet, they share a common characteristic of being a countermeasure to malware.

“Anti-malware” can be generally considered a synonym to “anti-virus,” since viruses, being merely one of the malware types, have in their day coined the word for marking the whole multitude of harmful programs. However, viruses per se are almost extinct nowadays, thanks to the progress of countermeasures. Therefore, a more up-to-date term seems more relevant, although meaning the same thing.

Nevertheless, there is a correspondence between the novelty of the term and the up-to-dateness of the software in question. Although it is not stated anywhere, anti-malware software is usually faster and lighter than antivirus software. It also does not feature some additional functions the latter often has.

What are the differences between antivirus and anti-malware?

Thus, both antivirus and anti-malware programs perform the same basic operations like scanning drives, detecting potentially harmful objects, quarantining and removing them, maintaining background protection, and recovering system programs if needed. Antivirus software is usually more ponderous as it provides such extra facilities as recovering files of third-party programs, parental control, VPN, and other options. The functions of non-system files recovery date back to the times when viruses, infecting various kinds of files, were the main threat.

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Anti-malware programs have their own benefits that suit the modern world well. These programs are quick to install and employ. They are swift and stand toe to toe with “large” antiviruses. Moreover, since virus databases slightly differ from vendor to vendor, it is reasonable to combine an antivirus with an anti-malware program that can serve as an additional scanning utility. GridinSoft Anti-Malware is a lightweight and not expensive program that shows brilliant results in protecting systems. We can equally recommend you to use it either as the main security system or as an auxiliary measure.

And yet, there is no better protection than caution and wisdom of the user. Avoid questionable websites, do not use pirate software and media, be wary of possible attacks via email and messengers, and you will be safer than going headlong through sordid dens of the Web armored with antiviruses.

CONSIDER READING: Network Security in a Nutshell. That’s how you protect your workgroup.

What is an antivirus scanner? What it can and what it cannot? (1)

Wilbur Woodham

IT Security Expert

It is better to prevent, than repair and repent!

When we talk about the intrusion of unfamiliar programs into your computer's work, the proverb "Forewarned is forearmed" describes the situation as accurately as possible. Gridinsoft Anti-Malware is exactly the tool that is always useful to have in your armory: fast, efficient, up-to-date. It is appropriate to use it as an emergency help at the slightest suspicion of infection.

What is an antivirus scanner? What it can and what it cannot? (2)

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What is an antivirus scanner? What it can and what it cannot? (3)

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What is an antivirus scanner? And what are its differences from other security tools?

Description

If you want to know what the term "antivirus scanner" (sometimes: "virus scanner") means, this article is for you to read. We will start with this question: what is an antivirus scanner? After that, we will figure out the difference between it and antivirus programs in general. Eventually, we will see how do all the mentioned terms correlate with the name "anti-malware software".

Author

Wilbur Woodham

Copyright

HowToFix.Guide

What is an antivirus scanner? What it can and what it cannot? (4)

What is an antivirus scanner? What it can and what it cannot? (2024)

FAQs

What is an antivirus scanner? What it can and what it cannot? ›

Virus scans search through your system to locate and remove any malicious threats on your device. You'll find most antivirus software guards against malware. This can include threats like viruses and worms, as well as, spyware, Trojans, ransomware, and adware.

What is an antivirus scanner? ›

An antivirus scanner is a cybersecurity tool specifically tasked with identifying viruses on a device. Antivirus scanners are rarely standalone apps — they are usually a part of comprehensive antivirus software apps that also include tools to quarantine and remove detected viruses.

What an antivirus Cannot do? ›

Prevent Human Error: Antivirus software cannot prevent users from falling victim to social engineering attacks, such as phishing emails or scams, which rely on human interaction. Fix Software Vulnerabilities: Antivirus software cannot patch or fix vulnerabilities in operating systems or other software applications.

Can I use my computer while antivirus is scanning? ›

Re: Is it okay to do a full scan while using the computer? Yes, but it will probably be a little slower depending on the system specs, CPU, Drive (SSD/HDD) and how much data on it.

Does virus scanning detect all viruses? ›

Because it relies on signatures, anti-virus software can only detect malware that has known characteristics. It is important to keep these signatures up-to-date.

Do I really need a virus scanner? ›

Once it's on your computer or laptop, malware can steal your data, encrypt it so you can't access it, or even erase it completely. For this reason it's important that you always use antivirus software, and keep it up to date to protect your data and devices.

Can virus scanners detect hackers? ›

Antivirus software is a program designed to detect malicious threats, viruses, files, and other unauthorized software. When you download a file that can be identified as a threat, antivirus software can also help you remove it before a hacker is able to harm your system. In short, antiviruses defend us against hackers.

What are 3 things viruses Cannot do? ›

Viruses can't move, grow, convert nutrients into energy or excrete waste products. But viruses certainly reproduce, infecting people and causing illnesses. It's how they reproduce that's unusual. Viruses lack essential machinery needed to reproduce by themselves.

Is it bad to use a computer without antivirus? ›

Antivirus is necessary even if you're on a Mac or Windows device, which both come with some level of virus protection built in. For total protection with endpoint protection and response, and blocks against malware and potentially unwanted programs, it's best to install a third-party antivirus software.

Why I don't use antivirus? ›

Hackers mostly target average computer users to break into their personal email, social media or bank accounts. Antivirus software is mostly useless against hackers, and users should instead use unique passwords which are difficult for automated programs to guess.

How often should you run antivirus scan? ›

How often should I run a virus scan? Since running a virus scan is easy to do, we recommend running them often. Our team typically runs a virus scan every other day when we close down our computers. You should at least run one every week.

What happens when you run a virus scan on your computer? ›

What Does a Virus Scan Do? Virus scans search through your system to locate and remove any malicious threats on your device. You'll find most antivirus software guards against malware. This can include threats like viruses and worms, as well as, spyware, Trojans, ransomware, and adware.

Can malware hide from antivirus scan? ›

Yes, malware can hide itself and antivirus and other protection programs may not catch it. Check out this undetected malware map.

What virus Cannot be detected? ›

A stealth virus is a computer virus that uses various mechanisms to avoid detection by antivirus software. It takes its name from the term stealth, which describes an approach to doing something while avoiding notice.

How do I find hidden viruses on my computer? ›

Open your Windows Security settings. Select Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan), and then select Scan now.

How can I check to see if I have any viruses? ›

Disconnect from the internet and enter Safe Mode. Open Task Manager (or Activity Monitor) to check your device for malicious applications. Turn on your antivirus and scan your computer for viruses or other malicious software. If any malware is found, quarantine or delete it.

What is the purpose of a virus scan? ›

A virus scan checks your computer or mobile device for viruses, worms, and other types of malware. Many online virus checkers look for known viruses, while some — including Avast One — can detect signs of unusual behavior that may indicate new types of malware.

Can viruses escape antivirus scan? ›

Can malware be undetected? Yes, malware can hide itself and antivirus and other protection programs may not catch it. Check out this undetected malware map.

Where is my virus scanner? ›

Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then Virus & threat protection.

How do I scan a document with antivirus? ›

Scan an item with Windows Security
  1. To scan specific files or folders, right-click a file or folder, select Show more options, and then select Scan with Microsoft Defender. ...
  2. To confirm that your antivirus protection is on, open the Windows Security app, and go to Virus & threat protection.

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