There is one thing that is of of the utmost importance to me, & that's my security. I have a multi-layered security plan in place, but we all should know that no security is 100% guaranteed to catch all threats. This is the purpose of this thread, to provide our members & viewers options to check behind our security.

Online Scanners does a good job of making sure that your security is doing what it's supposed to do, as well as getting rid of threats at the same time.

My First, & "go to" Online Scanner is the ESET Online Scanner, which is below. This scan is best ran from IE, as it allows for more options, like scanning archives & for potentially unwanted applications & potentially unsafe applications. This scan may take quite some time, as it by default will scan the entire HDD.

ESET :: Get a FREE Online Virus Scan (http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/)

My second choice, which takes less time, is the F-Secure Online Scanner. Java must be installed for it to work. On my Win 8 RP install, it takes about 10-15 minutes to run. Again, use IE.

F-Secure - How To - Remove threats - Free Removal Tools - Online Scanner (http://www.f-secure.com/en/web/labs_global/removal/online-scanner)

Finally, one should do a separate scan dedicated to finding rootkits, some of which has a good way of hiding. I highly recommend Kaspersky's Anti-rootkit utility TDSSKiller. It downloads as a zip file, which can be opened with the built in tool when right clicking the file & selecting "Extract All". There will be a folder with the app created, go to it & open, there's the EULA & app. Click onto the app & run, it takes less than 2 minutes to scan.

Anti-rootkit utility TDSSKiller (http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208283363)

The download link is under "How to disinfect a compromised system" on the page.

Using these Free apps can help to determine how well your security is working, as well as give peace of mind if all is clean, which I hope is the case.

If any other members knows of other good, well known brands of security scanners, feel free to post & add to the list.

In closing, remember that the greatest threat to your computer is the one controlling the keyboard. Browse wisely & manually scan any downloaded software before opening.

Cat

Cat, thank you for sharing.

You're quite welcome, sunyekerry. I do some virus cleaning & OS installs for extra spending money, was doing it for free, but the same ones called over & over, so I started charging for it.

Each & every install that I do gets a Full scan with the ESET Online Scanner & TDSSKiller, as well as the Free version of MBAM that I install on all, as I want to make certain that all is clean. Sometimes, though not often, during the updating process, infections occur, these scans catches them. This has only happened when installing XP, as these updates are done through the browser.

Hopefully, our members/viewers will use them when needed. They are potent scanners indeed.

Cat

Though this thread is older, it's one of importance. I have a couple of additional scanners to add. The first takes a minute or so, though a deeper scan is offered, regardless of results.

Emsisoft MalAware - The extremely small and ultra fast malware scanner (http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/malaware/)

And for those who wants the deepest scan possible, try this one. Note that this one takes a long time to run, as long as 5 to 6 hours on huge drives, it scans every byte. It's good for a monthly scan, or for those who feels they're infected (a sluggish computer can be a sign) It can be ran from a USB Flash drive, make sure there is room for updates (total of around 400MB). It's best to download this fresh each time of use, as an older version would require a huge update.

Emsisoft Free Emergency Kit: portable malware scanner | Free removal of Viruses, Bots, Spyware, Keyloggers and Trojans (http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/eek/)

And there's a Web Scanner, though the Emergency Kit above should do the job, & is portable. Still, it's worth mentioning. It's best ran from IE, as an ActiveX control needs to be installed (the more reason to go with the Emergency Kit).

Emsisoft Web Malware Scan | Dual-Engine Browser Scanner - Free removal of Viruses, Bots, Spyware, Keyloggers, Trojans and Rootkits (http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/ax/)

Emsisoft is a top of the line security company, though all of these products are Free, they may offer to sell products, there's no obligation to buy. And their Anti Malware app is compatible with Windows 8, it's a AV & AM in one. There's a 30 day Free trial of the app, then if not purchased, it becomes a freeware scanner (be sure to turn WD back on if you decline to purchase).

Stay Secure!

Cat

Bitdefender has an online Virus Scanner that is free. It takes up to several minutes to complete (depending on the size of your HDD). Users should beware that there is a green "Download Now" button that appears after the scan is complete that will take you to the full download of Bitdefender 2013. I like the idea of online A/V, & Anti-Malware programs because they don't use your computers resources. I will try to post a screenshot.1213

Happy Computing!

Duffy

I apologize to forum viewers for the small screenshot that I posted of Bitdefender online A/V scanner. I will try again using the Windows 8 screenshot feature.

1214

Duffy

Maybe someone can tell me how to take a proper screenshot. Help!

Anyway, here is a link: Fast & Free Online Virus Scanner - Bitdefender Quickscan (http://quickscan.bitdefender.com/)

Duffy