When Microsoft Security Essentials detects a potential threat,
it uses the associated definition file to assign an alert level to
the threat. It then applies the default action associated with that
threat level.
Alert levels help you choose how to respond to viruses, spyware,
and other potentially unwanted software. While Security Essentials
recommends that you remove all viruses and spyware, not all
software that is flagged is malicious or unwanted. The information
in this table can help you decide what to do if Security Essentials
detects potentially unwanted software on your computer.
|
Alert level
|
What it means
|
What to do
|
|
Severe
|
These are widespread or exceptionally malicious programs,
similar to viruses or worms, which negatively affect your privacy
and the security of your computer, and can damage your
computer.
|
Remove this software immediately.
|
|
High
|
These are programs that might collect your personal information
and negatively affect your privacy or damage your computer. For
example, the program collects information or changes settings,
typically without your knowledge or consent.
|
Remove this software immediately.
|
|
Medium
|
These are programs that might affect your privacy or make
changes to your computer that could negatively impact your
computing experience. For example, the program collects personal
information or changes settings.
|
Review the alert details to see why the software was detected.
If you do not like what the software does or if you do not
recognize and trust the publisher, consider blocking or removing
the software.
|
|
Low
|
This is potentially unwanted software that might collect
information about you or your computer or might change how your
computer works. However, the software is operating in agreement
with licensing terms displayed when you installed the software.
|
This software is typically benign when it runs on your computer,
unless it was installed without your knowledge. If you're not sure
whether to allow it, review the alert details, or check to see if
you recognize and trust the software publisher.
|
|
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