Once infiltrated, a malware script can use your system to spread itself to other computers or networks and install other malware on your system. Using a top antivirus is the best way to remove malware scripts, but not all of them can. After testing 20+ contenders, I picked the best 5 antiviruses for removing malware scripts. Norton topped my list because it consistently gave me perfect detection and real-time protection scores. You can try Norton risk-free with its 60-day money-back guarantee. Remove malware scripts with Norton
Quick Guide: How to Remove Malware Scripts
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Step-By-Step Guide: How to Detect and Remove Malware Scripts From Your Device
What Is Malware Through a Script and How Do They Work?
Malware through a script is a virus designed to execute malicious code on a computer. Scripts are small pieces of code used to automate tasks or add functionality to applications. However, they can also be used to execute malware and other malicious code on the device. Just make sure you download the setup file for your respective operating system. Norton is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Next, run the setup file on your computer and follow the installation prompts to install the antivirus.
2. Run a full scan
After installing your antivirus, run a full scan to check your entire hard drive for malware scripts and other infections. I don’t recommend a quick scan because it only checks critical areas on your disk where malware typically hides. Complex viruses like script malware hide in unassuming areas to evade scans. A full scan may take over 30 minutes to scan your computer, so I suggest running it when you’re not using your computer. Norton’s full scan was the fastest, checking over 900,000 files on my PC in just 10 minutes.
3. Remove malware
The final step is to scroll through the list of infections in the full scan results and remove them. Make sure there aren’t any false positives, which are safe files flagged as harmful. In my tests, Norton detected all the malware scripts I had planted on my PC without giving me any false positives. Once the malware scripts have been removed, restart your PC to end any malicious background processes that might still be running. I prefer running a second full scan after restarting just to make sure all the malware scripts are removed. Malware scripts exploit vulnerabilities in software by tricking users into downloading or executing the script. Once executed, a script can steal passwords, capture keystrokes, or modify files on your device. They’re also used to launch attacks on other devices or networks, making them a powerful tool for cybercriminals. Malware scripts can evade Windows Defender and even ill-equipped antiviruses. Since scripts are often embedded in legitimate software or websites, they can be difficult to detect and block. A reliable antivirus like Norton can detect scripts via their signatures and behavior and prevent them from infecting you in the first place with real-time protection.
The Best Antivirus Programs to Remove Malware Scripts (Tested in 2023)
1. Norton — 100% Accurate Real-Time Protection Against Malware Scripts
Key Features: Norton’s SONAR analysis detected 100% of malware scripts on my PC in real-time. It uses artificial intelligence and behavioral-based detection to identify fast-emerging, zero-day threats. It automatically quarantined the infected files so that they posed no harm. It didn’t give me any false positives and I removed all the malware scripts in just a click. With its advanced firewall, Norton can prevent malware scripts from sneaking into your system. It automatically configures itself depending on your network. For instance, it became more strict with incoming traffic when I was using public WiFi at a local cafe and less so when I’m home. You can also create rules and exceptions for specific applications to have complete control over your traffic. I browsed the web with complete peace of mind since Norton boasts state-of-the-art security features to catch malware scripts. They include:
Safe Web browser extension — identifies and blocks malicious sites that may try to download malware scripts on your device. Software Updater — keeps your apps and OS updated so that malware scripts can’t exploit vulnerabilities and your device has the latest security patches. Password manager — stores and auto-fills your online credentials, so malware scripts can’t be used to record your keystrokes and steal sensitive data. Cloud backup — lets you save your sensitive files on Norton’s cloud, preventing malware scripts to have access to your data in the first place.
Both Norton’s desktop and mobile apps are intuitively designed to make the interface consistent and user-friendly across devices. The dashboard gave me a quick overview of my device’s protection status, while the Scan section provided easy access to all scan options. You’ll find a brief description for each feature on Norton’s main dashboard, making it super easy to use for beginner users. For fast technical support, you can contact Norton’s live chat customer support. I filled in a short contact form on its site and was connected to an agent immediately. I asked a question about Norton’s Power Eraser tool and got a detailed and helpful response without any delay. Norton also offers phone support in 53 countries. I had to wait about 7 minutes before reaching an agent, though. You can get Norton for as low as $19.99 a year. The US plans are more expensive than global ones, but they also let you use the VPN on more devices. The Deluxe plan offers the best value as it protects up to 5 devices and includes top-grade extras. US users get access to 3 more plans above Deluxe that offer more cloud storage and device coverage. You can try Norton risk-free for 60 days to check its protection capabilities for yourself. Remove malware scripts with Norton
2. McAfee — Powerful Firewall Can Block All Malware Scripts
Key Features: McAfee uses Global Threat Intelligence to identify emerging threats. It is a network that has over a billion sensors that monitor threats worldwide, providing perfect protection against hard-to-detect malware scripts. McAfee’s behavior-based detection techniques caught all 50+ malware scripts I had planted on my PC, as well as other types of malware. The WebAdvisor browser extension gives you an extra layer of protection while browsing the web. It blocked me from visiting 10 malicious sites and 7 infected URLs in spam emails. The extension is available on Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. It immediately detected a malware script when I downloaded an infected file that appeared to be from a trusted. Besides that, McAfee includes:
File shredder — permanently deletes sensitive files to prevent them from being accessed by malware scripts. Advanced firewall — monitors your incoming and outgoing traffic to ensure malware scripts can’t sneak in without being detected. Anti-spam — blocks unwanted and spam emails containing phishing URLs that may contain malware scripts, keeping your inbox clean. Safe Family — lets you set up parental controls and block inappropriate and dangerous websites with malware scripts.
You can contact McAfee’s customer support team via phone, email, or live chat. Live chat was the most convenient and fastest way to get my queries resolved. I connected with an agent within seconds, and the agent was knowledgeable and professional in answering my questions. You can also access McAfee’s support website, which has an extensive knowledge base that includes frequently asked questions, user guides, and tutorials. I prefer McAfee Total Protection since it’s a complete antivirus suite, tailored to keep you safe from malware scripts and other advanced threats. The basic plan comes at just $39.99 per year, but I like the premium one because it covers unlimited devices. You can try McAfee risk-free with its 30-day free trial and a month-long money-back guarantee. Remove malware scripts with McAfee
3. TotalAV — Smart Scan Removes Junk Files With Malware Scripts and Improves System Performance
Key Features: TotalAV’s SAVAPI anti-malware engine detected all the 30+ malware scripts on my PC, giving me a real-time score of 99.5% — that’s excellent, considering the industry average is 97%. Out of the 200 malware I had planted on my PC, TotalAV only missed 1 metamorphic virus inside a zip file. Like Norton, TotalAV offers a browser extension for safety against malware scripts online. It’s also especially good against ransomware and phishing attacks. WebShield prevented me from visiting known sites that plant malware scripts on your computer. Just make sure to activate WebShield from the dashboard before you install the extension on your browser. Since malware scripts can hide in browser cookies, I ran TotalAV’s smart scan to remove all tracking cookies. Not only did this improve security but it also sped up my PC. Besides that, TotalAV offers:
Password vault — stores your online credentials in an encrypted vault, so malware scripts can’t steal sensitive data or record keystrokes. Data breach test — checks if your email addresses have been compromised in a past data leak. VPN — lets you browse the web anonymously so that your internet traffic can’t be traced back to you.
On its website, you’ll find answers to most of your queries on TotalAV’s extensive knowledge base. If not, you can contact support via live chat. However, I had to log out to see the live chat button on TotalAV’s website. I filled out a quick online form, connected to the agent right away, and got prompt responses to my queries. Unfortunately, TotalAV’s email support isn’t effective as I didn’t receive a reply from the support team. TotalAV’s Antivirus Pro only costs $19.00 per year, but I suggest getting Total Security which covers 6 devices and additionally offers a VPN, an ad blocker, and a password vault. TotalAV also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for you to test it before committing. I tested its refund guarantee firsthand and got reimbursed in 5 business days. Remove malware scripts with TotalAV
4. iolo — Spyware Protection Prevents Malware Scripts From Propagating
Key Features: iolo’s dedicated spyware protection is highly effective against malware scripts, blocking all 15 of them on my PC in real time. Spyware is hard to detect, but iolo had no issues blocking them. I liked the System Guard feature, which prevents programs from loading or changing your browser settings without your permission. Besides that, iolo includes the following security features to keep you safe from malware scripts:
System Shield — gives you an overview of your computer’s overall security status and prevents malware scripts from infecting your system. Drive Scrubber — erases an entire drive beyond recovery instead of individual files, giving malware scripts no chance to evade detection. ByePass — stores and auto-fills your credentials so that malware scripts can’t record your keystrokes to steal your data.
While optimization tools improve system performance, they also protect you against malware scripts. iolo’s optimization tools scan the system for any potential vulnerabilities and remove any unnecessary files, temporary internet files, and other data that can potentially harbor malware. I used All-in-One PC Cleanup to clear up 300MB of junk files on my PC. I wasn’t impressed by iolo’s customer support, especially live chat. The support agent didn’t fully answer my question and changed the subject of our conversation to upgrading my plan. I only recommend using live chat for simple issues that can be easily resolved. If you’re in the US or Canada, you can contact the support team via phone, which is a much better option. The System Mechanic product series starts at $23.99 a year. I recommend System Mechanic Pro because it includes spyware protection, all optimization tools, hard drive protection, and file recovery features. You can use iolo risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. However, Norton offers more features at a lower price. Remove malware scripts with iolo
5. Bitdefender — Advanced Heuristic Analysis Protects Against Malware Scripts and Phishing Attacks
Key Features: Bitdefender’s real-time protection is powerful against malware scripts. With advanced heuristic filters, it can detect and block potential threats in real time. These filters analyze the behavior of applications and scripts, looking for any suspicious activity that might indicate a malware infection. Therefore, Bitdefender can detect and stop new and unknown threats before they can cause damage. With its Behavior Monitor tool, Bitdefender can identify malware scripts on your system and prevent them from modifying your files. It also backs up your essential files so that you can restore them in case of a ransomware attack. Even if you haven’t, Bitdefender’s Remediation tool can decrypt your files without paying a ransom. It also offers the following features to keep you safe from malware scripts:
Firewall — analyzes your incoming and outgoing traffic to ensure malware scripts can’t get into your system. Antispam — connects to your Outlook account and filters out spam emails, so you don’t accidentally click on a malicious URL that contains malware scripts. Webcam protection — Prevents hackers from accessing your webcam and microphone via malware scripts to steal your sensitive information.
Engineered to be lightweight on your system, Bitdefender let me browse the web and install heavy programs without any system lag. It’s designed to use minimal resources and runs quietly in the background. Bitdefender’s Autopilot mode intelligently adjusts its settings to provide you with optimal protection while consuming the least amount of system resources possible. Its desktop apps for Windows and macOS are intuitively designed with features neatly organized on the left pane. You can arrange your dashboard the way you like it for quick access. The Android app has more features than iOS. The iOS app lacks anti-theft, threat scanning, and app lock. While there are other iOS-focused antiviruses, Bitdefender is good enough too since Apple’s built-in security is great, to begin with. Bitdefender’s Antivirus Plus starts at $18.99 a year, but I found Total Security to be its best-value product. It works on all platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and covers 5 or 10 devices with tiered pricing. You can use TotalAV risk-free and try it for 30 days before its money-back guarantee expires. Remove malware scripts with Bitdefender
Tips to Prevent Malware Infection Through Scripts
Malware infections can cause significant harm to your device and your personal information. To avoid malware infections through scripts, there are several precautions you can take — some of them include:
Be cautious when downloading software from non-official websites. Only download software from reputable sources and avoid websites that offer free software that seems too good to be true. If you download software from the internet, scan it with an antivirus program before installing it. Be wary of email attachments from unknown senders. Malicious scripts can be hidden within email attachments, so only open attachments from trusted sources. If you receive an attachment from an unknown sender, delete it immediately. Keep all your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that protect against the latest threats. You should regularly check for and install updates for your operating system, web browser, and other software programs. Keep your Wi-Fi network secure. Use a strong and unique password for your Wi-Fi network and make sure to encrypt your network. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be unsecured and easily hacked. Disable scripts on your web browser if you must visit a suspicious website. Most web browsers allow you to disable scripts, which can prevent malicious scripts from running on your device. However, be aware that disabling scripts can also break some website functionality. Learn to detect phishing scams. Malware scripts can often be delivered through phishing emails that trick you into clicking on a link or downloading an attachment. Be wary of emails that ask you to click on a link, download an attachment, or provide personal information. You can also use a free Windows antivirus for this.
Quick Comparison Table: 2023’s Best AVs for Identifying and Removing Malware Scripts
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How I Tested and Ranked the Best AVs for Detecting and Removing Malware Scripts
I considered the following features when selecting the best antiviruses against malware scripts:
Malware script detection — I planted numerous malware scripts on my testing machine and evaluated each antivirus’ detection abilities. Powerful real-time protection — I ran multiple real-time tests to pick antiviruses that gave me an above-average protection score. Advanced firewall — All antiviruses I picked have powerful firewalls that can block malware scripts from entering your PC via unsafe websites, URLs, and downloads. Extra security features — My chosen antiviruses offer useful security extras like a password manager, web protection browser extension, optimization tools, and more. Customer support — I tested each competitor’s support options and evaluated them on response times and helpfulness. Money-back guarantee — The antiviruses on this list have a legitimate money-back guarantee as I got my refund from all of them.
Try Norton risk-free for 60 days Get rid of malware scripts with Norton Malware scripts can be written in a variety of programming languages. They’re used to exploit vulnerabilities in software or operating systems and can be embedded in documents, images, and videos. They’re harder to detect than traditional viruses, so keep your software and apps updated and avoid opening unsolicited websites and email attachments. Since they use legitimate programming code, scripts are harder to detect than traditional viruses. Some even modify their behavior to evade detection by antivirus software. That’s why you must use a top-tier antivirus like one from my top-10 list, which has a proven record of providing perfect real-time protection. Malware scripts can also use your computer’s processing power to mine cryptocurrencies or participate in botnet attacks. These activities can slow down your computer, compromise your privacy, and cause serious financial loss. Therefore, a reliable antivirus is a must-have to keep yourself safe from these hard-to-detect malware scripts. Make sure your antivirus has a perfect or near-perfect real-time protection score and offers a web security browser extension. This will keep you from accidentally clicking a malicious URL containing malware scripts. I prefer antiviruses that use advanced heuristic analysis and behavior monitoring tools powered by AI to ensure they guarantee protection. In some cases, you might have to perform a system restore to a previous point before the malware infection occurred. However, prevention is always better than cure, so I suggest having a robust antivirus solution and following safe browsing habits to minimize the risk of getting infected with malware scripts. It’s also essential to keep your Wi-Fi network secure by using strong passwords and encryption. Lastly, update your OS and apps regularly. This prevents hackers from exploiting software vulnerabilities and planting malware scripts on your computer.
Get Rid of Any Malware Script With Top-Tier Antivirus Software
Without adequate protection, malware scripts can wreak havoc on your system. They can steal sensitive information and cause irreversible damage to your data. Worse yet, it can be challenging to get rid of the malware without professional help once your device is infected. Unfortunately, malware scripts are designed to be stealthy and evade detection. They may even use obfuscation and encryption. Therefore, only powerful antiviruses can detect them. After testing numerous software, I picked the best 5 for dealing with malware scripts. Norton is my #1 choice against malware scripts because it offers perfect real-time protection, heuristic analysis, and behavior-based monitoring that keep you safe from fast-emerging threats. You can try Norton risk-free with its generous 60-day money-back guarantee.
