Virus+scan

toc __**Virus Scan**__ - //Alic Pang//

== Virus scan is the system used specifically for the detection of malware. It is capable of detecting a variety of malware as well as computer viruses, computer worms, trojan horses, spyware, and adware. =When was it first created?= The first viruses were created to destroy data on un-used computers. Once the data was deleted a method must be developed to remove the virus. The first publicly documented removal of a virus was performed by Bernd Fix in 1987. In 1988 a mailing group was created known as VIRUS-L that discussed the possibility of detecting, preventing, and elimination of viruses. Two members of this group John McAfee and Eugene Kaspersky later created Antivirus products for commercial use.

=Who created the first virus scans?= Fred Cohen wrote the first paper on Computer Viruses in early 1988. In his paper he discussed about the future dangers of of viruses. He then talked about methods of preventing and future innovations for virus protection. His article was later picked up by Antivirus developers and help create a new generation of software safety. Why do we use virus scans?

=How does it work?= There are three main ways of Virus detection methods

**Signature based detection**
The Antivirus software scans documents and checks the data with a "virus signature dictionary" for signature evidence that may show signs that may suggest the existence of a virus, documents are as a whole, and in bits and pieces to avoid hidden malware.

**Heuristics**
The Antivirus creates a tight virtual environment, it then runs the document observing its behaviors. The Antivirus will then determine if the document is safe to run or requires further treatment. This process is considered safer compared to Signature based detection since Heuristics can detect new viruses that don't exists in the virus signature dictionary.

A Rookit is a Malware that changes the way the computer operates and functions, it can also tamper the Anti-virus software causing it to be in-effective. Rookits are hard to detect and remove. In most cases Virus Scan software's recommend a re-installation of the entire system.

[[image:gui_pure2.jpg align="right"]]
=Examples of Anti-virus software=

Perhaps the most famed private Anti-virus organization is "Kaspersky Lab". Its offer Anti-virus, Anti-spam, Anti-spyware, and Anti-intrusion products etc. One product for example is "Kaspersky Pure", it has the fundamentals for a Anti-virus software such that it fights viruses, malware, spyware, spam and other harmful softwares. The product offers a backup system with encryption technology that prevents documents and files from being corrupt or stolen. On top of that it offers anti-phishing technology, secure password management, virtual keyboard to keep your online identity safe. Kaspersky Pure also enables you to control who can use your computer, what they can do,and when they can do. The system also offers a detailed report about the PC activities and allows you to monitor your children. In a wireless network, you can check your security status, downloads, updates, start scans, and backups from anywhere in the wireless network. __**Features:**__
 * **Malware and Spam protection** including new enhanced detection and sandbox technologies for strengthened safety.
 * **Centralized Management** of tasks, reports, updates and more from any PC on your network
 * **Enhanced Password Protection** creates, encrypts and stores logins and auto-complete forms. The inbuilt virtual keyboard keeps you safe from key logging malware. You can even carry your passwords securely on a USB stick.
 * **Advanced Parental Control** protects your family with unique features to monitor your kids’ Internet access, PC and application use and communications… including social networks.
 * **File Shredder** uses multi-pass technology to make deleted data unrestorable, even with sophisticated data recovery software and tools.
 * **Data Backup & Restore** keeps your valuable data and files safe from disaster and keeps you in control.
 * **Data Encryption** maximizes security. Create, store and transfer data with password protection and encryption, so you can control exactly who can access your files.

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