Despite a broad range of cybersecurity tools used today, antivirus programs are still one of the most commonly used protection methods. That said, antivirus software has always been one of the best ways to safeguard your system and prevent it from exposure to the dangerous online world.
However, having an antivirus is not enough if you want to stay fully protected from malware. Besides implementing cybersecurity tools, creating strong and impossible-to-crack passwords is necessary to safeguard your accounts. The best way to do it is using a password manager, which lets you generate and store your essential passwords in a more secure way. In addition, you can share your codes with the rest of your team, no matter where you are.
Today, the most advanced antivirus programs come with remotely-controlled functions that allow companies or individuals to monitor cybersecurity activities right from their computers without having to be physically present. Such functions come in handy for detecting and preventing the most dangerous cybersecurity events, letting you protect your system anytime and anywhere.
In this article, you will learn more about the remotely-controlled scanning functions in antivirus programs and see how you can benefit from them in the long run.
We all have antivirus programs installed on our devices, but the truth is that the majority of users are not quite sure how they work.
Most antivirus processes run in the background, which is why we are not aware of their effects. Namely, antivirus scans your files looking for potential malware. If it detects a threat, it quarantines it and sends you an alert. In most cases, it lets you choose whether you want to take a certain action or not.
All executable files you install or download go through the scanning process automatically. If it notices any potential issues, it will block them and prevent them from entering and infecting your system. However, not all threats can be recognized by an antivirus.
Antivirus software can detect only those viruses that already exist in its database. If your system encounters newly deployed malware, it will probably ignore it and let it pass the scanning process. So, if you want to stay fully protected from the emerging cybersecurity threats, it’s quintessential to stick with the latest antivirus programs that come with enhanced functions for more in-depth detection features and richer databases. That way, you will strengthen your system protection and will be able to use your device with peace of mind.
Antivirus uses the virus definitions to detect potential malware in your system. Virus definitions have signatures on the latest viruses that have been marked as dangerous, which is why antivirus programs have to update virus definitions regularly.
If, during scanning, your antivirus notices that your system has been infected with one of the malicious programs that exist in the database, it will quarantine and eliminate it.
For that reason, it’s highly recommended to use an antivirus that receives regular updates and support from developers. Otherwise, your sensitive files may end up infected or locked by some of the nastiest viruses.
There are several most common types of antivirus scanning that help you detect even hidden threats. These include:
Remotely-controlled scanning functions are one of the most useful antivirus features. They come in handy for business owners that seek help from managed IT service companies to maintain their security. Such features allow MSP providers to access clients’ servers and systems, looking for potential threats that could affect the safety of their sensitive files. That way, they can detect and resolve the problem without having to be physically present.
Generally, remotely-controlled scanning functions are convenient for maintaining security in the post-COVID environment, where most jobs have suffered significant losses due to the lack of cybersecurity.
Thanks to background scanning features, users can get round-the-clock real-time protection from different types of threats. Background scans won’t affect your regular workflow, allowing you to complete your daily tasks without any delays.
It is highly recommended to turn background scans on and let them run all the time. That way, you will be fully protected from malicious activities at any moment.
Full system scans are not as crucial as background scans, but they can still help you detect additional anomalies that need to be removed from the system. You don’t have to run full system scans every day. You can complete them every once in a while when you install a new antivirus program or update an existing one.
Full system scans can help you identify hidden threats that exist in your system or detect malicious files that could cause severe cybersecurity events. In addition, you can run a full system scan when you have repaired a computer that’s recently been infected.
Besides being extremely convenient, remotely-controlled features in an antivirus offer real-time protection that can prevent severe cybersecurity crises. However, it’s worth relying on some of the greatest functions belonging to traditional antivirus programs, including the following:
Keep in mind that perfected cybersecurity requires a holistic approach. It means that you cannot rely on one technique to protect your sensitive files but implement all the most efficient methods that will keep you protected in the long run. While remotely-controlled functions work great for SMEs and big companies, individuals can also benefit from real-time protection and regular background scans found in traditional antivirus programs.
And don’t forget to update – having an obsolete antivirus is similar to having no protection at all.
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