McAfee Security Scan Plus: What It Is & Should I Uninstall It?

Photo of author

Written by: Stelian Pilici

Published on:

When it comes to protecting your computer from malware and other security threats, McAfee is a well-known name in the industry. One of the products offered by McAfee is Security Scan Plus, a free tool that claims to scan your computer for viruses and other potential risks. However, many users are unsure about whether they should keep this software installed or uninstall it. In this article, we will explore what McAfee Security Scan Plus is, how it works, and whether it is worth keeping on your computer.

Uninstall Apps

What is McAfee Security Scan Plus?

McAfee Security Scan Plus is a free software offered by McAfee that aims to provide basic protection for your computer. It is often bundled with other software installations, which means that you may have unknowingly installed it alongside another program. Once installed, it runs periodic scans on your computer to check for viruses, malware, and other potential security risks.

Security Scan Plus is designed to be a lightweight tool that does not consume too many system resources. It focuses on scanning critical areas of your computer, such as the operating system files and commonly targeted locations for malware infections. The scans are relatively quick and provide a basic level of protection.

How Does McAfee Security Scan Plus Work?

McAfee Security Scan Plus works by using a signature-based scanning method. This means that it compares the files on your computer to a database of known malware signatures. If it finds a match, it flags the file as potentially malicious and alerts you to take action.

However, it is important to note that McAfee Security Scan Plus does not provide real-time protection. This means that it does not actively monitor your computer for new threats or prevent them from infecting your system. Instead, it relies on periodic scans to detect and remove any existing threats.

Should I Uninstall McAfee Security Scan Plus?

While McAfee Security Scan Plus may seem like a useful tool, there are a few reasons why you might consider uninstalling it:

  1. Limited Protection: As mentioned earlier, McAfee Security Scan Plus only provides basic protection through periodic scans. It does not offer real-time protection, which is crucial for detecting and preventing new threats.
  2. Resource Usage: Although Security Scan Plus is designed to be lightweight, it still consumes system resources while running scans. If you have limited system resources or notice a decrease in performance, uninstalling it may help improve your computer’s speed.
  3. Unwanted Bundling: McAfee Security Scan Plus is often bundled with other software installations, and users may not realize they have installed it. If you did not intentionally install it or do not find it useful, uninstalling it can help declutter your system.

It is worth noting that McAfee Security Scan Plus is not considered malware or a virus. It is a legitimate software offered by McAfee. However, if you decide to uninstall it, you can do so without worrying about any negative consequences.

Alternatives to McAfee Security Scan Plus

If you choose to uninstall McAfee Security Scan Plus, there are several alternatives available that offer more comprehensive protection:

  • Malwarebytes Free: Malwarebytes is a popular anti-malware software that provides real-time protection against a wide range of threats. It offers both a free and premium version, with the free version providing basic protection.
  • Windows Defender: If you are using a Windows operating system, Windows Defender is a built-in security solution that offers real-time protection against malware and other threats. It is constantly updated by Microsoft and does not require any additional installations.
  • Avast Free Antivirus: Avast is another well-known antivirus software that offers a free version with real-time protection. It provides a range of features, including malware scanning, web protection, and email scanning.

These alternatives offer more comprehensive protection than McAfee Security Scan Plus and are trusted by millions of users worldwide.

Conclusion

McAfee Security Scan Plus is a free tool offered by McAfee that provides basic protection through periodic scans. While it is not considered malware, it has some limitations, such as the lack of real-time protection and potential resource usage. If you decide to uninstall it, there are several alternatives available, such as Malwarebytes Free, Windows Defender, and Avast Free Antivirus, that offer more comprehensive protection. Ultimately, the choice of whether to keep or uninstall McAfee Security Scan Plus depends on your specific needs and preferences for computer security.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

Previous

Bing Bar by Microsoft: What It Is & Should I Uninstall It?

Next

Windows Live Sync by Microsoft: Should I Remove It?