How to Scan Zip Files for Viruses and Zip Bombs?
1. Always install genuine Antivirus Software
- Step 1: Make sure your antivirus is updated. It means that an updated antivirus program will be equipped with the newest virus definitions to scan for new threats.
- Step 2: Remember to set your antivirus to scan compressed files. It is to be noted that the majority of contemporary anti-virus applications have options for scanning files that are archived within zip files.
- Step 3: Extract the zip file to a directory in your local system, but do not proceed to the next step.
- Step 4: Go to the downloaded zip file and right click on it and then select to scan with antivirus.
Example Antivirus Programs
- Norton Antivirus
- Kaspersky
- Bitdefender
- McAfee
2. Use Dedicated Malware Scanner
Comprehensive anti-malware tools can be installed to provide another layer of security because of their specialty which is to scan for malware and even within archived files.
Examples of Malware Scanners
- Malwarebytes
- Spybot Search & Destroy
- AdwCleaner
3. Utilize Online Virus Scanning Services
Remote virus scanning services are those where the files and documents can be scanned without downloading the program into the computer system.
Popular Online Scanners:
- VirusTotal: This enables you to upload files (even consolidated zip files) in that it scans with multiple AV engines.
- Metadefender: Like Virus Total, it is an application that uses several engines to search for threats within the computer system.
Steps:
- In case one has a convenient option, browse through the website of the online scanning service.
- Upload the zip file.
- Check the output of the test and wait for the scanning process to be finished.
4. Be Cautious with Unexpected or Unknown Sources
Zip files from unknown or unexpected sources should always be treated with caution. If you receive a zip file from an untrusted source or unsolicited email, it’s best to verify its legitimacy before downloading and scanning.
How To Scan Zip Files For Viruses And Zip Bombs?
A Zip File is a binary file format that creates a single file for multiple files for easy access as well as facilitates to sharing of large as well as multiple files over the internet. It provides user convenience in that it enables people to transfer, store, and share relatively small files. However, this convenience comes with a risk: Just like regular folders, zip files contain files and folders and might contain viruses, or a specific type of virus called zip bomb.
These threats are detrimental to the security of your computer since they can erase your data, freeze the operating system, or grant third parties access to information they are not supposed to see.
Here in our article, let’s follow through on how one can properly scan zip files for all these threats and how to ensure your computer’s safety. The preceding sections outlined the steps of using a good antivirus program, other stand-alone anti-virus programs, and online virus scanning services, in this part, there are other useful tips to avoid zip bombs.