A user reports that their computer is running slower than usual and they are concerned about a possible malware infection. The user mentions that they only run antivirus scans manually about once a month and update the software when they remember. What is the BEST recommendation a technician can provide to the user to enhance their security posture going forward?
Instruct the user to reinstall the operating system on a monthly basis as a preventative measure.
Advise the user to continue their current practice of manual monthly scans.
Configure the antivirus to automatically download definition updates and run scheduled scans.
Recommend disabling real-time protection to improve system performance.
The correct recommendation is to configure the antivirus software to update its definitions automatically and perform regular, scheduled scans. This proactive approach ensures the system is consistently protected against the latest threats without relying on user intervention. Manually updating and scanning once a month is insufficient as new threats emerge daily. Disabling real-time protection would significantly weaken the computer's defenses, and reinstalling the operating system is a drastic remediation step, not a routine preventative measure.
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