ICT 0417 - Networks and the Effects of Using Them

4. Removing/Quarantining Viruses Using Up-to-Date Software

This section focuses on understanding how to remove or quarantine viruses using current antivirus software. It's crucial for maintaining the security and stability of computer systems.

Understanding Viruses and Malware

Viruses are malicious software designed to infiltrate computer systems, often causing damage, data loss, or system instability. Malware is a broader term encompassing various types of harmful software, including viruses, worms, Trojans, and ransomware.

Antivirus Software: The First Line of Defence

Antivirus software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malware. It works by scanning files, programs, and system memory for known virus signatures and suspicious behaviour. Regular updates are essential for effective protection against new and evolving threats.

Removing Viruses

The process of removing a virus typically involves the following steps:

1. Update Antivirus Software: Ensure the antivirus software has the latest virus definitions.
2. Run a Full System Scan: Initiate a comprehensive scan of the entire computer system.
3. Identify Infected Files: The antivirus software will highlight any files or programs identified as infected.
4. Quarantine or Delete Infected Files:
   • Quarantine: Moves the infected file to a secure location where it cannot cause harm. This allows for further analysis.
   • Delete: Permanently removes the infected file from the system.
5. Restart the System: After removing the virus, restart the computer to ensure all malicious code is eliminated.

Quarantining Viruses

Quarantining a virus is a safer approach than immediate deletion. It prevents the virus from running and spreading while allowing for further investigation. Quarantined files can be examined by security professionals to understand the virus's behaviour and develop more effective removal methods.

Using Up-to-Date Software

Maintaining up-to-date antivirus software is paramount. Updates include:

• Signature Updates: New virus signatures are added to the database, enabling detection of newly discovered threats.
• Heuristic Analysis Updates: Improves the software's ability to detect suspicious behaviour even if a specific virus signature is not known.
• Engine Updates: Enhancements to the core detection algorithms.

Example of Antivirus Software Interface (Conceptual)

Feature	Description
Scan Options	Allows selection of scan types (Quick, Full, Custom).
Virus Definitions	Displays the last update date of the virus definitions.
Quarantine Log	Lists files that have been quarantined.
Real-time Protection	Indicates whether real-time scanning is enabled.

Important Considerations

• Regular Scans: Schedule regular full system scans to proactively detect and remove viruses.
• Be Cautious with Downloads: Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.
• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update the operating system and other software to patch security vulnerabilities.
• Use a Firewall: A firewall helps prevent unauthorized access to the computer system.