One of the best ways of keeping your computer safe from malicious software is by running virus detection software such as antiviruses. Having the basic knowledge of where these threats come from is also extremely helpful because it stops you from exposing your computer in the first place.
An antivirus will warn you of impending threats and remove malicious software such as viruses, worms, Trojans, malware, and spyware. Knowing how to get the most out of your antivirus is a good way to ensure you are well protected from viruses and other malicious software.
A virus is a malicious program that duplicates itself, spreading throughout a machine and even to other connected devices. It is a type of malware. Malware includes all types of malicious software. However, people often use the term virus as a catchall term for all malicious programs. Therefore, antivirus companies use the term virus, but they actually protect you against all kinds of malware.
Common Methods of Virus Detection
Signature Based
This type of computer virus detection is the most common. It relies on a database of known infections whereby each is allotted a signature. If a known threat signature presents itself, the offender is quickly identified and taken care of.
However, this method cannot deal with new threats whose signatures are not contained in the virus detection software’s database. Cybercriminals are always innovating to stay ahead of virus detection software, so users must keep their antivirus software updated with the latest virus definitions.
Behavioral Based
This method of virus detection covers the gap in signature-based virus detection. Instead of relying on a database, behavioral-based virus detection constantly watches the computer for odd behavior that might indicate the presence of malicious software.
In the same way a burglar might leave a trail of fingerprints, malicious software causes, or exhibits odd behavior that will lead to its identification. Examples of odd behavior include spying and collecting data like a user’s keystrokes or disabling security features.
Behavioral-based detection is more popular nowadays because it has a higher detection rate than signature-based virus detection. Given the waves of new threats, this is a better approach. As such, most antiviruses today use a combination of signature and behavioral-based detection methods to identify threats.
Heuristic Based
This virus detection method has two main types - static and dynamic heuristic virus detection. Dynamic heuristics works by running a suspect program inside a virtual machine so that the actual computer remains unaffected. The goal is to see what would happen if the suspicious program was allowed to run. If chaos breaks loose, e.g., self-replication, file deletion, overwriting, or any other sort of funny behavior, the program is identified as a virus and neutralized without ever exposing the computer to danger.
On the other hand, static heuristic analysis decompiles a suspicious program to take a good look at its code. It then compares that code to known viruses, and if there is a high enough similarity between the two, the program is classified as a possible threat.
As you may have noted, heuristic-based virus detection shares similarities with the two methods above and can be considered a more advanced offshoot.
Cloud-Based
This virus detection method works like signature detection, but the difference is where the infection database is located. Signature-based virus detection keeps its database locally, which must be updated. Cloud-based virus detection has its databases on online servers where they are, by default, always updated instantly.
Because of the instant updates, it is a better method of fending off new threats than signature-based as long as you are connected to the internet. Cloud-based servers can also do some of the processing therefore lightening the load on computers.
Types of Virus Detection Scans
Real-Time Scanning – This is an always active form of protection against malware. The antivirus runs in the background, constantly watching for threats. Because of this, other scan types are technically not needed today.
Full Scan – A comprehensive scan that covers all your file directories and those attached to them. Due to its thoroughness, it is also resource-intensive and is preferably done when the computer is not in use.
Quick Scan – A quick look through common danger zones where malware is likely to hide.
Custom Scan – You can use this to scan a specific area like a flash drive you’ve inserted.
Conclusion
When protecting yourself against viruses and other malware, it’s best to take a preventative approach by not frequenting places where threats are known to lie - for example, not opening strange email attachments. In addition, it is essential to have a trusted antivirus installed always.
