Imagine you have finally completed a project and saved it on your cloud after work hours. But you then discover it has gotten infected. At this moment, you may regret not installing a file virus scanner on your computer.
Millions of computers all over the world are affected by data breaches and viruses, which can compromise even the most sensitive data. Also, hackers and cyber attackers come up with new ways every month to put viruses on your computer and get around your security measures.
So, file virus scanners and antivirus tools are a must-have if you want to protect your data. You could also use safer transfer options, such as file upload with Flask Python, for uploading your files and safeguarding them from potential viruses.
In this blog, we will look at the common types of viruses, helping you choose the right file virus scanner to give you the ultimate protection for your data.
Overview of File Virus Scanners
Let’s quickly go through what file virus scanners are, why you should use them, and how they work:
What Is a Virus Scanner?
A virus scanner is a software that checks your device for malware and removes any viruses or other threats it finds.
File virus scanners search your computer to detect and eliminate any possible threats. They protect you against malware, viruses, ransomware, and spyware.
Why Use Virus Scanners?
You should use a virus scanner to retain and protect your data from being illegally accessed. These scanners also detect viruses through malware or real-time scans before they can cause any harm.
Virus scanners may deal with hundreds of viruses daily, making it hard for hackers and other cyber attackers to put malware on your device. They also perform regular checks to ensure no hacking-based programs are on your computer.
How Does It Work?
A file virus scanner scans incoming files transferred through your network traffic. The companies designing file virus scanners build a comprehensive database of existing malware and viruses to teach the antivirus tool to detect and remove viruses.
When your programs, files, and applications flow out of or into your computer, the file virus scanner compares them to the database to find any possible matches. When the software finds a match to the database, it scans and removes the file immediately.
Common Types of File Viruses
File viruses spread through your computer files and can cause severe damage to your computer. The most common file viruses are ransomware, worms, and trojans. Let’s take a look at them below:
- Trojans
Trojans hide in files like email attachments, extensions, or software developers and deceive you into downloading them. When these viruses are put on your computer, hackers get access to it and may be able to control all your devices from afar.
These viruses can cause data leaks and lead to identity theft.
- Worms
Worms spread through your data networks and devices by replicating themselves. They can cause your system and devices to slow down and cause system crashes.
Worms are also known to set up botnets,” a network of virus-infected devices that are further used for illegal activities.
- Ransomware
Ransomware happens when cyberattackers encrypt your files and then ask for a ransom to unlock them. This type of virus can spread through websites, email attachments, or other malicious files on the internet.
What to Look for in File Virus Scanner?
Wondering what to look for in a file virus scanner? Here are some factors you should consider:
- Reliability and Credibility
Ensure your file virus scanner is reliable enough to stop malicious file uploads, phishing attempts, and other possible threats. To make sure of this, you should read reviews from other users and figure out how good the file virus scanner is at finding and getting rid of viruses.
It’s also a good practice to ask your family and friends about the file virus scanners they use and their effectiveness.
- Pricing Models
It’s also important that you check the prices of the file virus scanners and the features their pricing model includes. Although low-priced or basic packages may be alluring, premium packages may be a better option in the long run.
Protection from viruses and malware is often included in the basic packages. But since cyberattacks are getting bigger and bigger, you should think about getting a premium plan with extra features like webcam security, firewalls, and VPNs.
- Ease of Use
You may determine the ease of use of your file virus scanners in different ways. First, you should check the company’s website to see if the package options are clear. Next, you can use the free trial that most file virus scanners offer.
Once you have installed the software, evaluate the user interface and whether it slows down your PC. Also, check how often it fails to remove a virus and how often you must interact manually with the file virus scanner.
Plus, ensure your software has 24/7 customer support, so all your issues can be resolved at any time.
Top File Virus Scanners on the Market
With an overwhelming number of options, choosing a file virus scanner may be challenging. Let’s take a look at the best file virus scanners:
- Filestack Virus and Malware Detection API
From PDFs to images to videos, Filestack’s Virus and Malware Detection API scans every file the moment you upload it, reducing the chance of malicious bugs getting into your app. You’re safe even when uploading composite files like TAR or ZIP.
You just need to integrate the API into your app via Filestack Workflows to get started. Once that’s done, it will automatically scan and detect malicious viruses or programs, put them into quarantine, and let you know.
- VirusTotal
VirusTotal scans individual URLs and files for any possible threats. Its detailed, real-time scans evaluate files using more than 70 antivirus tools. The web-based tool is simple to run and operate.
You need to paste a URL or a file into the online portal, and VirusTotal will do the rest for you.
VirusTotal scans are quick and provide extensive details. It also shows the results of every antivirus engine, and the issues also get shared with the VirusTotal community. This helps other users avoid malicious attempts in the future.
- Norton Power Eraser
Norton Antivirus comes with virus removal and scanning tools. The online virus scanner is also free and easy to use, and it can find even the smallest malware sample hidden on any device or network system.
Plus, you only need to download a small file to set up this file virus scanner. Once installed, the Norton Power Eraser offers an application to scan, including a full system scan, folders, and file scanning. With its detailed scanning options, you can rest assured that no virus or malware will go undetected in your device.
- Bitdefender Virus Scanner
For Mac users, Bitdefender Virus Scanner is the ideal option. This antivirus software uses Bitdefender’s cloud-based scanner to check for malware and viruses on your devices.
Plus, this virus scanner is completely free to use. And even if you’re a beginner, you can begin using the virus scanner, as it comes with an easy-to-use interface.
Bitdefender’s virus scanner offers three scan options, including custom location scanning, critical location scanning, and deep system scanning.
Tips for Staying Protected Against File Viruses
Let’s check out some of the best tips for protecting your files from viruses:
- Conduct Regular Scans
For the best protection, you must regularly schedule antivirus scans for your computer. When you scan your files at least once a week, the file virus scanner may detect and remove any possible threats.
Plus, if you regularly upload files to the cloud, you should ensure your files are safe and do not lose any data. And if you’re looking for safe upload options, you can get the most secure file uploads with Filestack.
- Set Up Two-factor Authentication
Setting up two-factor or multi-factor authentication is important to add an extra layer of security to your device. This makes it difficult for hackers and cyber attackers to breach your device and helps to protect your data from hacking attempts.
- Look Out for Suspicious Links
Unrecognized or suspicious links are the most common ways for viruses to spread. You should avoid clicking on links from unknown or spammy sources.
You should also check the source and destination of the link before clicking it. This will save you from viruses that spread mostly through these links.
- Ensure Secure File Uploading with Protection Against Malware
When uploading files to the internet, sharing them with your team, or downloading them from the internet, make sure to use a secure file uploading platform with protection against malware platform. And that’s where Filestack’s Virus and Malware Detection API comes in.
The API protects your app against malicious programs and viruses by scanning every single and composite file you upload or download from anywhere on the internet. Plus, it’s easy to use. You just need to integrate it into your app via Filestack Workflows and get the right protection.
Wrapping Up
File virus scanners are crucial for keeping your devices secure and safe. And since cyberattacks are getting more complicated, it is more important than ever to do regular scans to protect yourself from phishing and hacking attempts that are trying to get into your data.
If you are looking for a safe and secure file-uploading solution, then Filestack should be your go-to option. Not only is the software fast, but it ensures all your uploaded files are completely safe and out of reach of hackers and cyber attackers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Run a Virus Scan on My Computer?
At least once a week to ensure regular detection and removal of any potential threats.
Can File Virus Scanners Protect Against All Types of Malware?
File virus scanners are designed to protect against various types of malware, including viruses, ransomware, and spyware. However, no scanner can provide 100% protection against all types of malware.
Are Free File Virus Scanners as Effective as Paid Ones?
The effectiveness of file virus scanners can vary, regardless of whether they are free or paid. While some free scanners offer reliable protection, paid scanners often come with additional features and more comprehensive security measures.
Can File Virus Scanners Detect Zero-Day Threats?
File virus scanners rely on an extensive database of known malware to detect and remove threats. Zero-day threats, which are newly discovered vulnerabilities or malware, may not be recognized immediately. However, reputable antivirus companies regularly update their databases to address emerging threats, increasing the chances of detecting and mitigating zero-day threats.
