How antivirus works
With online threats constantly increasing, it is essential to understand how antivirus works to protect our devices and data. Antiviruses are programs designed to detect, prevent and remove malicious software, such as viruses, spyware, ransomware and other types of malware.
In this article, we will explain in a technical way the basic operation of antiviruses. First, antivirus performs a thorough scan of files and systems, using regularly updated algorithms and databases to identify known threats. This scan looks for suspicious patterns and behavior both in individual files and across the entire system.
In addition to analyzing known virus signatures, antiviruses also use heuristic techniques to identify suspicious behaviors and patterns that could indicate the presence of malware. For example, if a file attempts to modify system files without authorization, the antivirus will consider it suspicious and take measures to neutralize the threat.
Many antiviruses offer protection in real time, meaning they constantly monitor the system for malicious activity. If anything suspicious is detected, the antivirus takes immediate action to block and remove the threat.
Additionally, it is important to note that antiviruses need frequent updates to keep up with new threats. These updates include updated virus signature databases and improvements to detection algorithms.
However, it is vital to keep in mind that no antivirus is infallible. Therefore, it is always advisable to complement its use with good online security practices, such as not clicking on suspicious links and keeping the operating system and updated applications. Knowledge about how antiviruses work gives us the opportunity to protect our devices and data more effectively.
6. Scanning for unknown threats: Antiviruses also use behavioral analysis techniques to detect malware that has not yet been identified. They look for signs of suspicious activity and analyze the code for possible threats
Antiviruses use behavioral analysis techniques to detect unknown threats. These techniques allow identifying malware that has not yet been categorized or identified by the database of the antivirus. The goal is to look for signs of suspicious activity in the system and analyze the code for possible threats.
Scanning for unknown threats is based on detecting anomalous behavior in system files and processes. Antiviruses analyze the behavior of programs in real time, identifying activities that could indicate the presence of malware. These activities may include changes to the system log, attempts to access sensitive files or unusual network connections.
In addition to behavioral analysis, antiviruses also examine the code in files for possible threats. This involves identifying known malware patterns or signatures, as well as detecting suspicious code that may indicate the presence of a threat. To carry out this analysis, antiviruses use advanced algorithms that look for specific characteristics in the binary code of the files.
7. Quarantine and removal: When a malicious file or program is detected, the antivirus can quarantine it to prevent it from causing damage. The user then has the option to delete it or perform a specific action as needed
When a malicious file or program is detected by the antivirus, it can take preventive measures by placing it in quarantine. Quarantine is a security measure that prevents the harmful file or program from causing damage to the operating system or data stored on the device. By placing the file in quarantine, it is isolated from the rest of the system to prevent its execution and propagation.
Once the malicious file or program is quarantined, the user has the option to decide what action to take with it. In most cases, it is recommended to delete the file or program to ensure system security. Removal involves permanent removal of the harmful file or program, thus preventing any possibility of accidental or malicious activation.
However, in some cases, the user may want to perform a specific action with the malicious file or program. This may include sending the file to the antivirus developers for analysis, disinfecting the file if possible, or even restoring the file in case a false positive has been detected. It is important to remember that these specific actions should be performed with caution and following the instructions provided by the corresponding antivirus or technical support.
8. Email Protection: Many antivirus programs also offer protection against email threats. They scan messages for suspicious attachments or malicious links that can infect the system
Email protection
Many antivirus programs also offer protection against email threats. This additional feature scans messages for suspicious attachments or malicious links that may infect the system.
Scanning attachments is an important security measure, as files may contain hidden malware that can compromise integrity Computer. When detecting suspicious attachments, the antivirus blocks their execution and notifies the user to avoid possible infections.
Additionally, scanning for malicious links helps prevent threats when a link in an email message is clicked. The antivirus checks the reputation of the link and analyzes the content of the web page to which it redirects. If a malicious link is detected, access to the page is blocked and the user is warned about the possible risk.
9. Scanning external drives: Antivirus can scan external drives, such as external hard drives or USB sticks, to detect potential threats before they spread to the system
Antiviruses are an effective tool to keep our computer protected against possible threats. One of the most important features they offer is external drive scanning. This is especially useful when we connect external hard drives or USB sticks to our system, since these drives can carry malware or viruses.
When we connect an external drive, the antivirus should be able to automatically recognize it and offer the option to scan it. In most cases, this option is found in the main antivirus menu or in a panel dedicated to external drives.
Once we have opened the external drive scan tool, we can select the drive we want to scan. It is advisable to scan all external drives connected to the system to make sure there are no hidden threats. The scanning process may take several minutes, depending on the size of the drive and the number of files it contains. During the scan, the antivirus will check each file for possible threats and will offer us a detailed report upon completion.
10. Boot-time scanning: Some antivirus scans at boot time of the operating system to identify and remove threats before they are fully loaded
Some antiviruses offer the option to perform a boot-time scan of the operating system to identify and remove potential threats before they are fully loaded. This specialized system boot scan is especially useful, as it allows you to detect and eliminate any malware that tries to infect the system from the start.
To perform a boot-time scan, you must first ensure that you have an antivirus solution that offers this functionality. Not all antiviruses include this option, so it is important to check if your current antivirus includes it or if you should consider adopting a new solution.
Once you have confirmed that your antivirus supports boot-time scanning, simply follow the steps below to perform the startup threat detection and removal process. and operating system:
1. Restart your computer and wait for it to appear the home screen of the operating system.
2. Press the indicated key to access your computer's BIOS or UEFI settings. This is usually F2 or Del, but may vary depending on the make and model of your equipment. Consult the manual from your device if you are not sure which is the correct key.
3. Browse the menus from the BIOS or UEFI until you find the “Boot” or “Start” option. Within this menu, look for the “Boot Order” option and make sure the CD/DVD or USB drive is set as the first boot option.
4. Save the changes made in the BIOS or UEFI settings and restart your computer again.
5. Insert your antivirus installation diskin unity CD/DVD or connect the pen drive containing the bootable antivirus program.
6. Follow the onscreen instructions to start scanning at boot time and allow the antivirus to identify and remove any detected threats.
7. Once the analysis is completed, restart your computer again and access the operating system normally.
Performing a boot-time scan can help protect your operating system before the threats are fully loaded and prevent them from affecting the normal functioning of your computer. Remember to keep your antivirus updated and perform regular scans to maximize the security of your system.
11. Protection against phishing: In addition to detecting malware, some antiviruses also offer protection against phishing. They alert the user when they try to access suspicious websites or try to provide personal information on an unsecured site
Protection against phishing is an additional feature that some antiviruses offer, in addition to their ability to detect malware. This type of protection is especially important, since phishing is a technique increasingly used by cybercriminals to obtain personal and financial information from unsuspecting users.
Antiviruses that offer protection against phishing alert the user when they try to access sitios web suspicious or when you try to provide personal information on an unsecured site. This is achieved by detecting behavioral patterns and analyzing the websites visited.
Upon receiving an alert, the user must pay close attention and evaluate whether the website in question is legitimate or not. Some precautions that can be taken include checking the URL of the site, look for signs of authenticity, such as SSL certificates, and avoid providing sensitive information on unsecured websites. The phishing protection provided by antivirus can help prevent the theft of personal and financial information, thus keeping users safe while browsing the Internet.
12. Scan Customization: Users can customize scans, choosing which specific areas of the system they want to scan or which file types to prioritize when searching for threats
Users have the option to customize their system scans, giving them greater control over threat detection. By allowing users to choose specific areas of the system to scan, the time and resources required to perform the scan are optimized. Additionally, users can also prioritize scanning certain file types, which is useful for detecting threats that tend to hide in specific file formats.
To customize a scan, users can follow these simple steps:
1. Open the program or scanning tool of your choice.
2. Find the “Settings” or “Personalization” option in the main menu.
3. Click on this option and several customization options will be displayed.
4. Select the specific areas of the system you want to analyze. This may include specific drives, folders, or files. You can use a drop-down list or a graphical interface to make this selection.
5. On the other hand, you can also choose the file types you want to prioritize when searching for threats. For example, if you suspect that compressed files are more likely to contain threats, you can prioritize searching these types of files.
6. Once you have configured all the customization options, click “OK” or “Save” to apply the changes.
Customizing security scans gives users the flexibility to tailor threat detection to their needs and preferences. This ensures a more efficient and effective scanning experience as resources are optimally used in the most relevant areas of the system. Remember that it is important to perform regular scans and keep threat databases up to date to ensure the greatest possible protection against malware and other forms of cyber attacks.
13. Behavioral analysis: Antiviruses can analyze the behavior of running programs to detect suspicious activities, such as unauthorized modification of files or attempts to access sensitive data
Antiviruses are programs designed to protect our systems and data from possible threats and cyber attacks. One of the key functions of antiviruses is behavioral analysis, which allows them to examine how running programs behave and detect any suspicious activity. This is especially useful for identifying actions such as unauthorized modification of files or attempts to access sensitive data.
When an antivirus analyzes the behavior of a program, it examines the actions it performs and compares these actions with a set of predefined or known safe patterns. If any suspicious activity is detected, the antivirus will take measures to protect the system, such as blocking access to certain files or alerting the user about possible threats.
Behavioral analysis is a powerful technique used by antiviruses to keep our systems safe. Unlike traditional virus signatures, which can only detect known threats, behavioral analysis can identify new and unknown threats. This provides an additional layer of protection against cyber attacks and helps us keep our data and systems secure. Remember to keep your antivirus updated and carry out regular scans to ensure maximum protection.
14. Activity reports: Some antivirus generate detailed reports on system activity and threat detection, allowing the user to have an overview of their device's security
Activity reports are an important feature offered by some antiviruses to provide users with a detailed view of system activity and threat detection. These reports allow the user to evaluate the security of their device and take appropriate measures to protect it.
Reports typically include detailed information about detected threats, such as the type of threat, risk level, and actions taken to neutralize it. This provides the user with a complete understanding of the threats their device is exposed to and the effectiveness of the antivirus in detecting and removing them.
In addition to detected threats, the reports also provide details about system activity, such as programs and processes that are running, files that have been modified, and any suspicious activity. This allows the user to identify any abnormal activity that may indicate a possible infection or security breach.
In conclusion, understanding how antivirus works is essential to protect our devices and data in an increasingly threatening online environment. These programs use a variety of methods to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, such as file and system scanning, signature detection, heuristic techniques, and real-time protection. However, it is important to keep in mind that no antivirus is infallible, so it is advisable to combine its use with good online security practices. This includes avoiding clicking on suspicious links and keeping our operating system and applications up to date. By being informed and taking preventive measures, we can more effectively protect our devices and data against online threats.