ESET Antivirus for Mac - How to Scan your Computer

Issue/Question

  • How do I scan my computer for viruses?
  • When should I scan my computer?
  • What files get checked when I run a computer scan?

Environment

  • Oregon State
    • Employees and Student Employees
      • macOS
        • ESET Endpoint Antivirus

Background

ESET uses a feature called real-time protection to intercept viruses and other malicious files on your computer without actively scanning the entire system. Real-time protection scans files when they're created, opened, or executed and deletes them if they are malicious.

You can manually run a scan of specific files or your entire computer on demand. This is only necessary when you suspect your computer has been compromised or infected.

Resolution

Run a Smart Scan

ESET will scan your computer for malicious files, and automatically remove threats. This is the best option for most users looking to run a quick, preventative scan of their system.

  1. From the ESET status menu (in the upper-right corner of the screen), click Open ESET Endpoint Antivirus.
  2. Select Computer Scan from the left sidebar.
  3. Click Smart Scan.

Run a Custom Scan

Custom Scans are more flexible, and provide options for scanning a computer more thoroughly in the event it is infected. Most users will not need to set up a custom scan except under special circumstances.

  1. From the ESET status menu (in the upper-right corner of the screen), click Open ESET Endpoint Antivirus.
  2. Select Computer Scan from the left sidebar.
  3. Click Custom Scan.
  4. Choose a scan profile from the dropdown menu:
    • Smart Scan: Scans most file types, and automatically removes threats. Skips files that have not been modified since the last scan. Good for general use or preventative scans.
    • In-Depth Scan: Scans more file types than a Smart Scan, and automatically removes threats. Does not skip files that have already been scanned. Use this profile for computers that you suspect are infected or need cleanup.
    • Context Menu Scan: Appears to work the same as a Smart Scan.
  5. Choose a scan target using the dropdown or file tree. The scan target will determine which files and folders get scanned.
    • The dropdown menu includes useful presets you can select from.
    • The file tree allows you to select specific drives or folders to scan, which can be useful when you want to look for threats in a specific location.
  6. Check the Scan without cleaning box to scan files and identify threats without removing or quarantining them. (Not recommended)
  7. Click the Save button to keep the current settings for your next custom scan. (Optional)
  8. Click Scan.

For assistance, contact the IS Service Desk.

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