In today’s digital landscape, ensuring your computer’s security is paramount. Kaspersky Internet Security provides robust, real-time protection, but sometimes you might need to perform a manual or online virus scan. This guide will walk you through how to utilize Kaspersky’s online scanning capabilities and manage your protection settings effectively.
Kaspersky is a trusted name in cybersecurity, offering various tools to keep your system safe. While the software actively works in the background, understanding how to initiate an online scan and adjust protection settings gives you greater control over your device’s security. It’s important to note that while disabling protection features can be done, it is generally not recommended as it exposes your system to potential threats.
Utilizing Kaspersky Online Scanner for Quick Checks
For situations where you suspect a file or your system might be infected, Kaspersky offers an online scanner tool. This is a convenient way to perform a quick check without needing to install the full Kaspersky Internet Security suite.
To use the Kaspersky online scanner:
- Navigate to the Kaspersky website. Open your web browser and go to the official Kaspersky website. Search for “Kaspersky online virus scanner” or similar terms to find the tool quickly.
- Locate the Free Tools section. Kaspersky typically provides a section for free tools, which includes their online scanner.
- Launch the Online Scanner. Follow the prompts on the webpage to launch the online scanner. This might involve downloading a small launcher application.
- Initiate the Scan. Once the scanner is running, you’ll usually have options to scan your entire system, specific folders, or individual files. Choose the option that best suits your needs and start the scan.
- Review Scan Results. After the scan is complete, the Kaspersky online scanner will display a report detailing any threats detected. Follow the recommendations provided to address any issues found.
Image: The Kaspersky application icon, used to access settings and protection controls.
Managing Kaspersky Protection Settings
While online scanners are useful for on-demand checks, Kaspersky Internet Security provides continuous protection. Understanding how to manage its protection settings is essential for optimizing performance and addressing specific needs.
You can manage the main protection features directly from the Kaspersky application:
To Disable or Enable Full Protection:
- Locate the Kaspersky Icon. Find the Kaspersky application icon in your system menu bar (usually in the bottom right corner of your screen).
- Access the Context Menu. Right-click on the Kaspersky icon to open the context menu.
- Toggle Protection. In the menu, you will find options like “Turn Protection Off” or “Turn Protection On.” Select the desired option to disable or re-enable the entire protection suite.
Image: The “Turn Protection Off” option within the Kaspersky application menu, allowing users to temporarily disable full protection.
To Disable or Enable Specific Protection Components:
For more granular control, you can disable or enable individual protection components like File Anti-Virus, Web Anti-Virus, or Network Attack Blocker.
- Open Kaspersky Preferences. Click on the Kaspersky icon in the menu bar and select “Preferences” (or “Settings”).
- Navigate to the Protection Tab. In the preferences window, find and click on the “Protection” tab.
- Manage Components. You will see a list of protection components. To disable a component, deselect the checkbox next to it. To enable it, ensure the checkbox is selected.
Image: The “Protection” tab in Kaspersky preferences, showing options to enable or disable various protection components.
Important Considerations:
- Disabling Protection Risks: Kaspersky strongly advises against disabling protection features. Doing so can leave your computer vulnerable to malware and cyber threats. Only disable protection temporarily and re-enable it as soon as possible.
- Manual Re-enablement: If you disable protection, it will not automatically re-enable when you restart your computer or Kaspersky. You must manually turn protection back on.
- Scan Tasks and Updates: Disabling real-time protection does not stop scheduled virus scan tasks or update tasks. These will continue to run as configured.
- Protection Center Notifications: Kaspersky’s Protection Center will notify you if protection is disabled, serving as a reminder to re-enable it for optimal security.
Conclusion:
Kaspersky provides both online scanning tools for quick checks and comprehensive, real-time protection with its Internet Security suite. Understanding how to use the online scanner and manage your protection settings allows you to maintain a secure and efficient computing environment. While disabling protection is possible, it should be done with caution and only when absolutely necessary, ensuring you re-enable it promptly to safeguard your system against evolving cyber threats. Regularly scanning your system, whether online or through scheduled tasks, is a vital part of maintaining robust digital security.
