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I am wondering why regular scans are needed, since auto protect will detect malware either when it is copied onto the hard drive, or when it is run from the hard drive. So why are scans needed?
Thanks
Vincenzo wrote:I am wondering why regular scans are needed, since auto protect will detect malware either when it is copied onto the hard drive, or when it is run from the hard drive. So why are scans needed?
Thanks
Some archives can contain malicious files that auto-protect won't detect while you download or copy the archive - for example WinRAR, WinZIP files. However, you cannot harm your PC if the infected file is in archive, as it can't execute itself. Manual scanning is important because it will detect the virus and will try to remove it, before you extract archive's contents. And not only archived viruses. New threats can always find a way to get in to your PC, before you have hte latest virus definitions. You know, just like in real life - first comes the disease and then the cure :) So, manual scan guarantees even more your computer's safety. It is your second "shield" after auto-protect, that keeps your system virus-free.
But in both the examples you mentioned (the archived files and the "new" threat), wouldn't the malware be detected when the file is either extracted or executed?
The "new" threat would not be a problem until the file is executed, correct? And at that time it would be detected, would it not?
Thanks
Yes, the malware will be detected, if the archive is extracted or you try to execute the infected file from it.
About your second question - it depends from the threat. If it is a worm for example, there is no need to execute it. The computer worm has the ability to copy and execute itself. Norton products such as Norton AntiVirus and Norton SystemWorks have Internet Worm Protection, and Norton Internet Security and Norton 360 both provide an extra layer of protection, so you are protected. However, it's important to keep your Norton product up to date, to ensure better protection. Leave Automatic LiveUpdate always on and let Norton scan your system for viruses once a week, or scan your computer manually from time to time.
I can only agree with the replies to your question.
You can consider scanning as one of the many layers of Norton's protection.
Auto Protect will scan files when they are accessed but it will not scan containers. In this case, if you have only AP running you may have "dormant" threats on your system. These threats will not harm your system while in compressed form and AP will detect them on extraction. However, it's nice to be able to scan your system or a downloaded container to make sure it's not infected.
Also consider this case: A threat is already running on the system. When accessed AP checked it upon access but there was no definition for it at that point. Later on the definitions are updated and there is a signature that detects the threat. Auto Protect will not detect it until the threat is accessed again. QuickScan though, which runs by default after defintion updates, will detect and remove it immediately.
Ok thanks for the help.
It is always wise to have a second opinion