Network scan module

The Network Scan module protects user web browsing and scans network traffic for potential security threats. AV Defender scans email traffic (POP3 and SMTP) and web traffic (HTTP and HTTPS/SSL) in real time to prevent malware downloads. It uses real-time content control scanning through the nimbus.bitdefender.com server.

AV Defender also scans outgoing email messages to prevent malware from spreading to other computers. While scanning web traffic may slow down browsing, it blocks malware from the Internet, including drive-by downloads.

When AV Defender detects an infected email message, it automatically replaces it with a standardized message that alerts the recipient about the infection. If a website contains or distributes malware, AV Defender automatically blocks access and displays a warning screen to inform the user that the site is unsafe.

You can disable email and web traffic scanning to improve system performance, although this is not recommended. Disabling these scans does not pose a major security risk as long as on-access scanning of local files remains enabled.

Browser options

The Network Scan module does scan email and web traffic, it also includes two browser options to help users when surfing the Internet.

Enable Browser Search Adviser

AV Defender assesses and rates the safety of results from Google, Bing and Yahoo! searches, and links from Facebook and Twitter by displaying an icon in front of every result:

Warning: You should not access this web site.
Caution: This web site may contain dangerous content. Exercise caution if you decide to access it.
Safe: This web site is safe to access.

Enable Browser Toolbar

Installs the AV Defender Toolbar plug-in for supported browsers that displays security ratings for web sites that are being accessed. The AV Defender Toolbar displays a small dragger icon at the top of every web page which displays a security rating.

The Network Scan module is only available when adding or editing a laptop/workstation security profile.

  1. Click Configuration > Security Manager > Profiles.
  2. Select Add, or click on an existing profile to edit.
  3. Select View Settings beside the Network Scan module.
  4. Select the check box for Enable Network Scan.
  5. In the Component Configuration area, select the features to enable in the network scan.
  6. Select Save.