Ensuring your antivirus program is functioning correctly is crucial for maintaining your computer's security. Here's a straightforward guide to help you verify your antivirus performance.
First, open your antivirus software and look for a status report. Most antivirus programs have a dashboard that shows the current status, including the last scan date and any detected issues. If everything is up-to-date and no issues are reported, that’s a good sign.
An outdated antivirus program can’t protect against the latest threats. Make sure your antivirus software is updated to the latest version. Most programs update automatically, but it’s wise to manually check for updates periodically.
Perform a comprehensive scan of your system. This process may take some time, but it’s essential to identify any hidden threats. During the scan, your antivirus will check all files and folders for malware.
The EICAR test file is a safe tool to test your antivirus. Downloading this file simulates a real threat, and your antivirus should detect and block it immediately. This test will confirm that your antivirus is responsive to threats.
After the full scan, review the results. If your antivirus found and removed threats, ensure to follow any additional recommendations it provides. If no threats were found, your system is likely secure.
Open a few websites known for security issues but ensure they are safe by researching first. Your antivirus should block access to these sites if they pose a threat. This step checks if the real-time protection feature is active and efficient.
Your antivirus should provide alerts and notifications for any suspicious activity. Ensure that these settings are enabled in your antivirus software. Regular alerts will keep you informed about your system's security status.
Regularly checking your antivirus ensures it is functioning correctly and your system remains secure. Follow these steps periodically to maintain optimal protection.
