# Using Virus Scanner in cPanel

> Scan your email, website files or whole home directory for malware with the cPanel Virus Scanner and deal with infected files.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/advanced/using-virus-scanner-in-cpanel/

The **Virus Scanner** in cPanel helps you protect your hosting account by scanning files for viruses, trojans, and other types of malware. You can scan emails, website files, FTP directories, or your entire account to ensure your data remains safe.

## What the Virus Scanner Does

- Detects **viruses, trojans, and malware** using multiple definition databases.
- Scans different areas of your account: email, public web space, FTP directories, or the entire home directory.
- Provides options to **quarantine, destroy, or ignore** infected files.

## Running a Virus Scan

1. **Log in to cPanel.**
2. On the **Tools page → Advanced section**, click **Virus Scanner**.
3. Under **Start a New Scan**, choose what you want to scan:

   - **Scan Mail** → Checks incoming and outgoing email messages.
   - **Scan Entire Home Directory** → Scans all files in your account.
   - **Scan Public Web Space** → Scans files in the `public_html` directory.
   - **Scan Public FTP Space** → Scans files in the `public_ftp` directory.
4. Click **Scan Now**.

   - The scan may take time depending on the number of files.

## Handling Infected Files

If the scanner finds infected files, you can choose one of the following actions:

- **Quarantine** → Moves the file to a quarantine directory (`/home/username/quarantine_clamavconnector`).
- **Destroy** → Permanently deletes the infected file.
- **Ignore** → Leaves the file unchanged.

To complete the process, click **Process Cleanup**.

> **Note:**
- The Virus Scanner may not be installed by default on all server types. If you don’t see it, [Contact us](https://dashboard.ruachost.com/submitticket.php?step=2&deptid=3) to enable it.
- Regular scans help prevent malware from spreading through your account.
- Quarantined files can be reviewed later before deletion.