Hands-on Project 3-2

Currently I'm using the antivirus software called "Symantec Endpoint Protection".

Key Features:

- Seamlessly integrates essential technologies such as antivirus, antispyware,
firewall, intrusion prevention, device and application control.

- Requires only a single agent that is managed by a single management console.

- Provides unmatched endpoint protection from the market leader in endpoint
security.

- Enables instant NAC upgrade without additional software deployment for
each endpoint.

Key Benefits:

- Stops malware such as virus, worm, Trojans, spyware, adware, bots, zero-day
threats and rootkits.

- Prevents security ooutbreaks thus reducing administrative overhead.

- Lowers total cost of owndership for endpoint security.

Click here for source

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Homepage of EICAR

Links to download the files required

Warning message shown when trying to download file (eicar.com)
















Save eicar_com.zip in desired location



















Manually scan eicar_com.zip for virus



















Virus detected after scanning


















Save eicarcom2.zip in desired location

Manually scan the file for virus

Virus detected after scanning (same results as eicar_com.zip)

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Reflection:

Antivirus software like Symantec Endpoint Protection may not be totally effective in protecting our computer systems from malwares. As shown from the results above, the antivirus software is not able to detect any malware present in a zipped folder before downloading, and the virus in the zipped folder can only be detected after doing the virus scan manually. Hence this proves that malwares can still be easily downloaded into our computer through zipped folders even though the virus protection is on. A lot of people including me does not have the habit of doing a virus scan after a file is being downloaded, therefore virus can still spread from one computer to another easily without the user's acknowledgement. So its still advisable to purchase a cd from a trusted brand and install, instead of using free trials found online.