HEURISTIC SCAN:

Heuristic scanning is an advanced technique used by antivirus programs to detect and identify previously unknown or emerging threats based on their behavior and characteristics, rather than relying solely on known virus signatures. This method involves analyzing the behavior of files and programs in real-time to identify patterns or actions that may indicate malicious intent. Heuristic scanning helps antivirus software detect and block new and evolving malware threats that have not yet been identified or added to antivirus databases, enhancing overall cybersecurity protection.

How Does a Heuristic Scan Work ?

virus detection is based on recognition of a signature or string of code which identifies a certain virus. similar to how investigators use characteristics to identify criminals; antiviruses looks for ‘digital footprints’ in order to recognize a virus.

nevertheless, to detect an unknown virus, a particular signature or recognized code does not yet exist. For this reason a heuristic scan is used.

Heuristics methods are based on the piece-by-piece examination of a virus, looking for a sequence or sequences of instruction that differentiate the virus from ‘normal’ programs.