How real-time protection works.
Also known as background scanning or resident protection, this feature is the most important part of any modern antivirus. It stops threats **before** they run.
The Active Scan Cycle
Real-time protection follows a specific sequence whenever you interact with a file.
Interception
When you click to open a file or download starts, the antivirus "catches" it before the OS executes it.
Quick Analysis
It checks the file's signature against known databases and looks for suspicious code patterns.
Verdict
If the file is safe, it's allowed to run. If suspicious, it is instantly blocked or quarantined.
User Alert
A notification appears on your screen explaining what was found and what action was taken.
What makes it so effective?
Modern real-time engines use advanced tech to distinguish between a useful program and a harmful one in milliseconds.
Cloud Detection
Sends a "fingerprint" of the file to the cloud to check against millions of global threats in real-time.
Sandboxing
Runs a suspicious file in a restricted, isolated area of memory to see if it tries to do anything malicious.
Process Monitoring
Watches all active applications for "malware-like" behavior, such as trying to stop other security services.
Network Filtering
Inspects incoming data packets from the web before they even reach your browser or email app.
Never disable real-time protection.
Some "cracked" software or fake support sites might ask you to disable your antivirus. This is a massive red flag. Real-time protection is your only barrier against:
Protection FAQ