Online File Virus Scanner
There are many dangers present in today’s online world. Your data is more valuable than ever to companies who will stoop to new lows to get and monetize it. Dangerous malware exists that can harm your computer and its files. Without adequate protection, it can feel like the Wild West with anyone able to infiltrate and cause harm. One essential tool in this fight is having an antivirus software that scans and eliminates these threats. Another newer protection measure is an online file virus scanner.
What is an Online File Virus Scanner
An online file virus scanner is a web-based suite of protection against malware that can scan your device or files from a remote server. Online virus scanners are completely web-based though some require that you download a small executable file onto your machine to scan for threats. However, do not use them as replacements for an antivirus. They lack key features such as real-time protection, which are necessary for total security.
Instead, an online file virus scanner can be used as a quick and easy way to check for vulnerabilities in a system. Maybe you need to be sure an email attachment is legitimate, or you need a second opinion on whether your computer is truly free from viruses. In that case, an online file virus scanner will do the trick.
Common Examples of Online File Virus Scanner
Virus Total
This is a malware detection tool that is truly web-based. It requires no download and utilizes over 70 antivirus engines to scan and detect malware on the files you upload. These engines include Kaspersky, McAfee, BitDefender, Comodo, Eset, AVG, Avast, Microsoft, Malwarebytes, Symantec, and many more.
Virus Total is owned by Chronicle, which is a subsidiary of Google. It is free to use and highly accurate in detecting malware, but unfortunately, it cannot remove them. One other drawback is that it can be tedious to use because it can only scan one file or URL at a time. You can upload files of up to 200MB.
ESET Online Scanner
Unlike Virus Total, you have to download this online file virus scanner. However, it has a couple of benefits over the former. It can perform a full system scan as well as remove an infection by either quarantining or deleting it. It also has an excellent 100% accuracy, but the free version is only available for one-off use.
Kaspersky VirusDesk
Kaspersky’s online file virus scanner works like VirusTotal, where you upload a file or URL to their website. It is also fully web-based and cannot scan more than one file at a time but is quite fast. The file upload limit is 256MB.
F-Secure Online Scanner
This online file virus scanner also requires a download. It has a decent 70% level of accuracy as compared to the two above. Where it shines is its speed of about a minute which is pretty fast. It also has the ability to remove malware while occupying a minimal amount of space on your hard drive.
BitDefender Home Scanner
BitDefender’s online file virus scanner requires a download, but it is small in size and very quick to scan your whole system. Like F-Secure, it takes only about a minute and has decent 70% accuracy. It is good for a quick sweep of your system and removing or quarantining any threats. Additional features include scanning your Wi-Fi Network, highlighting network security flaws, and providing a detailed report on the state of your computer’s security.
Norton Security Scan
Norton’s online file virus scanner has a decent 70% malware detection rate, but unfortunately, it does not remove the threat. Instead, it tries to upsell you to the full Norton antivirus software, so if you only want to know whether you’re clean, you may consider Norton.
How to Use an Online File Virus Scanner
If it is downloadable, you simply download the online virus scanner’s client and run it on your computer. As for a truly web-based online file virus scanner such as Virus Total, you simply head over to their website and proceed to upload your file, which has to be below the file size limit. If it’s a website you want to check for malware, copy and paste its URL onto the online scanner’s website.
Conclusion
There are many other online file virus scanners that deserve your consideration. One great way of protecting yourself is avoiding fishy sites or downloading untrusted files. If you are unsure of a file or website, use an online file virus scanner or get antivirus software for maximum protection.
