Antivirus software often flags files as 'not a virus' when they trigger heuristic or behavior-based alerts but do not match known malware signatures. This 'Not a Virus Detection' typically involves riskware, adware, and potentially unwanted applications (PUA) that can influence privacy or system performance.
Detection Categories
'Not a Virus Detection' commonly covers riskware and adware. Riskware refers to applications that may inadvertently expose devices to security threats. Adware involves programs that display unwanted ads and can compromise user privacy.
Recommended Actions
When users encounter a 'not a virus' detection, it is advised to:
- Identify the file and publisher.
- Quarantine the file if its origins are unknown.
- Review recent installations and startup items.
- Scan the file with multiple antivirus engines for context.
- Uninstall the software if it is unwanted.
Implementing these steps can help mitigate risks associated with these flagged files. It ensures any adverse impact on privacy or performance is promptly addressed.
