How to Test Your Antivirus Status and Browser Security

Trojans, viruses, spyware, adware, rootkits, malware and many other malicious programs are responsible for PC unresponsiveness and various uncertain or unusual activities that can take place on your computer. Frequent slowdowns, unusual reboots, unsatisfactory PC performance, and staying idle for a particular period of time are some of the major issues faced by users, if their devices are attacked by viruses or other online threats. It is highly difficult for the PC users to restore the computer’s functioning to its normal state, once it is infected by a strong malicious code or program.

On the other hand browser security, which is an enhanced feature of browsing application plays a vital role in restricting the access of viruses, malware, hijackers and identity thieves. Antivirus programs inform the user about the suspected viruses or detect threat by popping up a message while a secured browser will automatically block the access to a malicious website carrying infectious data. In both the cases, your system security is at stake and if a user doesn’t take these viruses seriously, then he may face irreparable damages to software and hardware components.

Steps to check status of your antivirus program

 Step1. Open your antivirus either by double-clicking on its icon or navigate to Start-> Programs or All Programs -> your antivirus solution.

Step2. You can access the status information directly from the Welcome page, if it does not show the same then you may require to navigate through the ‘Status’ panel, ‘Status,’ ‘Report,’ or any other similar title which signifies the status panel of the software, depending on the brand you use.

Step3. Read the information on the current status of your software. Generally, the software will notify you about the problems your security solution is facing or it will indicate the same through a pop-up message. You can easily read the message and press the red ‘X’ located next to the component or a notification upon start-up, once completed.

Step4. Follow the instructions given by the program to rectify such issues or you may find a simple link, often labeled as ‘Fix,’ to check for recent updates and fix problems.

Presently, you might have rarely seen a virus as most of them are transformed into the spyware category and are available in the form of Pop-Ups, porn and fake AV products. Spam mails, malicious websites, and Phishing schemes seem to be the most popular medium for spreading malicious material. In order to be preventative, it is recommended to turn on your antivirus alerts round the clock and install its latest updates to keep it abreast of the latest malicious trends.

How to check browser security?

Web browser’s security is entirely dependent on its codes and security factors that may contain vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals look for such vulnerabilities and attack innocent users for stealing their data and valuable information for selfish motives and benefits. Few websites offer various tests for checking whether your browser is free of vulnerabilities or not. Such websites evaluate browsers for weaknesses and determine how freely they make your private information available to hijackers and hackers. Additionally, these websites also recommend you about how you can make the tested web browser safe and secured.

Following are some common websites that offer free tests for checking the browser security of your browsing software:

1. Browserscope

Browserscope, a community-driven project for profiling web browsers, tests your browser across various parameters such as Security, Rich Text, Selectors API, Network, Acid3 and JSKB. The aim behind checking all these parameters is to ensure that your browser is safe for use and is not revealing any private information to hijackers. The website tests your browser on various aspects of performance including speed and security as well. The site does not require any software install or user account and it also provides compiled results of various users to determine which browser is currently leading and why.

 2. BrowserSPY.dk

 BrowserSpy.dk is a leading browser testing website, which offers efficient browser security software to tell you that how much information your browser reveals about you and your system to the outside world. It can give you the details about the information ranging from your name, version of your browser and the kind of fonts you have installed to a hardware you're running on and your current location. It can also reveal the range of programs that you might have installed including the Adobe Reader, OpenOffice.org, Google Chrome and Microsoft Silverlight.

 3. PC Flank

The PC Flank is another testing website that consists of several tests that are directed towards showcasing the overall computer security as viewed from the Internet. The array of tests conducted by the website includes Stealth Test, Advanced Port Scanner Test, Trojans Test, Exploits Test, and Browser Test. PC Flank also tries to find out whether the browser gives any personal information, location details, or specifics about your ISP to the outside world or not.

Above mentioned are some of the website that will help you know about your browser security and its efficiency. It is recommended to keep your browsers and antivirus solutions updated to ensure that you’ve a protected shield around your devices. A virus attack might result in data loss, financial loss, personal loss and may also cause irreparable damages to hardware as well as software components. Although, the latest web browsers are well-equipped with security factors that keeps you safeguarded against virus attacks, but they have not been architected to assure personal web privacy, which is a major concern.

Hi! I am Brook M. Perry, a prolific blog writer and keen author of articles related to computer security and solution for issues related to computers and mobile devices. Being associated with the reputed best pc tuneup service provider Qresolve, I have resolved thousands of tech issues for our customers from worldwide. Computer computer virus removal My areas of interest are PC security, endpoint security system, router support etc. You can follow me for my useful remote computer support articles on Ezine and other article-oriented websites.