Question
1. Identify at least two options that you think would be most useful.
Why do you think these are useful?
2. There is an option to exclude specific files, folders, file types, or
processes from being scanned. This is an option that can be used for
trusted items that you are certain don’t need to be scanned. What would
be the pros and cons of setting this option?
3. There was an option to check for Protection Updates in the previous
activity. Why might it be a good idea to check for protection
and antivirus updates?
Why do you think these are useful?
2. There is an option to exclude specific files, folders, file types, or
processes from being scanned. This is an option that can be used for
trusted items that you are certain don’t need to be scanned. What would
be the pros and cons of setting this option?
3. There was an option to check for Protection Updates in the previous
activity. Why might it be a good idea to check for protection
and antivirus updates?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
### 1. Useful Options
**a. Real-time Protection:**
This feature continuously monitors system activities and files in real-time, detecting and blocking threats as they occur. It is useful because it provides immediate responses to potential threats, minimizing the window of vulnerability and preventing malicious software from executing harmful actions.
**b. Scheduled Scanning:**
Scheduled scanning allows users to automatically perform scans at predefined intervals, ensuring that the system is regularly checked for malware and integrity issues. This is useful because it helps maintain a proactive approach to system security, ensuring that threats are identified and dealt with regularly without requiring manual intervention.
### 2. Pros and Cons of Excluding Specific Items
**Pros:**
- **Performance Improvement:** Excluding trusted files or folders can enhance system performance during scans, as it reduces the burden on resources.
- **Fewer False Positives:** It minimizes the chances of legitimate software being flagged as threats, which can lead to unnecessary alerts and potential disruptions in workflow.
**Cons:**
- **Increased Vulnerability:** By excluding files or folders, there exists a risk that undetected threats could reside within those trusted areas. If a legitimate program is compromised, it may not be scanned for malicious behavior.
- **User Complacency:** Users might become overly reliant on exclusions, potentially neglecting other critical aspects of their security strategy, which could lead to security oversights.
### 3. Importance of Checking for Protection Updates
- **Enhanced Security:** Protection and antivirus updates often include patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities and the latest virus definitions, which enhances the overall security of the system and protects against emerging threats.
- **System Compatibility:** Updates can improve compatibility with new software or hardware, ensuring the antivirus performs optimally with the latest technology. This helps prevent potential conflicts that could compromise system performance or security.
Regularly checking for updates is crucial because cyber threats are continually evolving, and prompt updates are essential in safeguarding systems against these ongoing risks.
**a. Real-time Protection:**
This feature continuously monitors system activities and files in real-time, detecting and blocking threats as they occur. It is useful because it provides immediate responses to potential threats, minimizing the window of vulnerability and preventing malicious software from executing harmful actions.
**b. Scheduled Scanning:**
Scheduled scanning allows users to automatically perform scans at predefined intervals, ensuring that the system is regularly checked for malware and integrity issues. This is useful because it helps maintain a proactive approach to system security, ensuring that threats are identified and dealt with regularly without requiring manual intervention.
### 2. Pros and Cons of Excluding Specific Items
**Pros:**
- **Performance Improvement:** Excluding trusted files or folders can enhance system performance during scans, as it reduces the burden on resources.
- **Fewer False Positives:** It minimizes the chances of legitimate software being flagged as threats, which can lead to unnecessary alerts and potential disruptions in workflow.
**Cons:**
- **Increased Vulnerability:** By excluding files or folders, there exists a risk that undetected threats could reside within those trusted areas. If a legitimate program is compromised, it may not be scanned for malicious behavior.
- **User Complacency:** Users might become overly reliant on exclusions, potentially neglecting other critical aspects of their security strategy, which could lead to security oversights.
### 3. Importance of Checking for Protection Updates
- **Enhanced Security:** Protection and antivirus updates often include patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities and the latest virus definitions, which enhances the overall security of the system and protects against emerging threats.
- **System Compatibility:** Updates can improve compatibility with new software or hardware, ensuring the antivirus performs optimally with the latest technology. This helps prevent potential conflicts that could compromise system performance or security.
Regularly checking for updates is crucial because cyber threats are continually evolving, and prompt updates are essential in safeguarding systems against these ongoing risks.