Misconfigured Antivirus
TLDR: Misconfigured antivirus software arises when security settings are improperly implemented, reducing the effectiveness of malware detection and system protection. Common issues include disabled real-time scanning, incomplete scan schedules, and overly permissive exclusions. These misconfigurations expose systems to increased risks of malware infections, data breaches, and operational disruptions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antivirus_software
A misconfigured antivirus setup might involve excluding critical directories or file types from scans, allowing potential threats to go undetected. Disabling real-time scanning for performance reasons can leave systems vulnerable to immediate threats. Failing to update virus definitions regularly reduces the software’s ability to detect new malware variants. Tools like centralized antivirus dashboards or built-in diagnostic features help identify and resolve these misconfigurations.
Securing antivirus configurations involves enabling automatic updates, maintaining real-time scanning, and ensuring comprehensive scan coverage. Fine-tuning exclusion lists to include only trusted directories minimizes the risk of bypassed threats. Regular audits of antivirus settings, combined with security awareness training for users, ensure that antivirus solutions remain effective and aligned with organizational security policies.