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Antivirus & Office/PDF Files: Can They Scan?

G5 Cyber Security

TL;DR

Yes, most antivirus programs can scan Office and PDF files, but it depends on the specific software and how it’s configured. Modern antivirus solutions generally offer real-time scanning for these file types, but you might need to check settings or run a manual scan for older versions or more thorough checks.

Scanning Office Documents

  1. Real-Time Scanning: Most antivirus software automatically scans Office files (Word .doc/.docx, Excel .xls/.xlsx, PowerPoint .ppt/.pptx) as you open, save, and copy them. This is the first line of defence.
    • Check your antivirus settings to ensure real-time protection is enabled. Look for options like ‘On-Access Scanning’ or similar.
  2. Manual Scans: For a deeper check, run a manual scan of folders containing Office documents.
    • Right-click the folder and select ‘Scan with [Your Antivirus Name]’.
    • Alternatively, open your antivirus software and choose the option to scan a specific location.
  3. Macro Scanning: Office documents can contain malicious macros (small programs). Make sure macro scanning is enabled in your antivirus.
    • Some antivirus programs have separate settings for macro protection.
    • Consider disabling macros entirely if you don’t need them, as they are a common attack vector. In Microsoft Office, go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings and select ‘Disable all macros with notification’.

Scanning PDF Files

  1. Real-Time Scanning: Similar to Office files, most antivirus programs scan PDFs as you open or save them.
    • Again, verify that real-time protection is active in your antivirus settings.
  2. Manual Scans: Run a manual scan of folders containing PDF files for a more comprehensive check.
    • Right-click the folder and select ‘Scan with [Your Antivirus Name]’.
    • Or, use your antivirus software’s scanning feature to specify the location.
  3. PDF Reader Security: Some PDF readers (like Adobe Acrobat) have built-in security features that can help detect malicious content.
    • Keep your PDF reader updated to benefit from the latest security patches.
    • Check the reader’s settings for options related to JavaScript and external links, as these can be exploited.

Troubleshooting

  1. Update Your Antivirus: Ensure your antivirus software has the latest virus definitions.
    • Most antivirus programs update automatically, but you can usually trigger a manual update from within the software.
    • Example command for Windows Defender (from PowerShell as Administrator): 
      Update-MpSignature
  2. Check Scan Logs: Review your antivirus scan logs to see if any Office or PDF files were flagged.
    • The location of the scan logs varies depending on your antivirus software. Consult its documentation for details.
  3. Consider a Second Opinion Scanner: If you’re concerned about a specific file, use a second opinion scanner (a different antivirus program) to double-check.

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