When selecting the type of files to scan, consider the following:
There is a low probability of introducing malicious code into files of certain formats and its subsequent activation (for example, TXT format). At the same time, there are file formats that contain executable code (such as .exe, .dll). The executable code may also be contained in files of formats that are not intended for this purpose (for example, the DOC format). The risk of intrusion and activation of malicious code in such files is high.
An intruder may send a virus or another malicious application to your computer in an executable file that has been renamed with the .txt extension. If you select scanning of files by extension, the application skips this file during scanning. If scanning of files by format is selected, Kaspersky Endpoint Security analyzes the file header regardless of its extension. If this analysis reveals that the file has the format of an executable file (for example, EXE), the application scans it.
To select the type of files to scan:
In the main application window, click the Tasks button.
In the opened window, select the scan task and click the button.
Click the Advanced settings button.
In the File types section, specify the type of files that you want to scan when the selected scan task runs:
All files. If this setting is enabled, Kaspersky Endpoint Security checks all files without exception (all formats and extensions).
Files scanned by format. If this setting is enabled, Kaspersky Endpoint Security scans infectable files only. Before scanning a file for malicious code, the internal header of the file is analyzed to determine the format of the file (for example, .txt, .doc, or .exe). The scan also looks for files with particular file extensions.
A file which, due to its structure or format, can be used by intruders as a "container" to store and spread malicious code. As a rule, these are executable files, with such file extensions as .com, .exe, and .dll. There is a fairly high risk that these files have been infiltrated with malicious code.
Files scanned by extension. If this setting is enabled, Kaspersky Endpoint Security scans infectable files only. The file format is then determined based on the file's extension.
Kaspersky Endpoint Security considers files without an extension as executable ones. Kaspersky Endpoint Security always scans executable files regardless of the file types that you select for scanning.