[KB3197] ESET Social Media Scanner FAQ

Solution

    1. What is ESET Social Media Scanner?
      ESET Social Media Scanner is an application independent from ESET antivirus products that is designed to protect you from malicious content distributed through Twitter. ESET Social Media Scanner monitors new social media content and looks for malicious code. For example, wall postings containing links or media in your posts and from those you are following on Twitter.
       

    1. How does it work?
      ESET Social Media Scanner monitors your Twitter accounts. When malicious code is discovered by ESET Social Media Scanner, you are alerted by a message from the scanner or by email. Additionally, ESET Social Media Scanner can be configured to call out malicious content by posting a comment that warns you and other users to avoid media that has been found to contain malicious code.

      The following is a list of the settings and features available:
      • Automatic scanning
      • Email notifications
      • Send a scan report when a threat is found
      • Send a scan report after on-demand scans
      • Warn authors of dangerous posts
      • Tweet scan results
         

    1. How do I download and install ESET Social Media Scanner?
      For instructions to install and configure ESET Social Media Scanner for Twitter, visit the following Knowledgebase article: Install or remove ESET Social Media Scanner for Twitter.

      If you have ESET Smart Security or ESET NOD32 Antivirus installed, access the Social Media Scanner download page by opening the main program window of your ESET product and clicking ESET Social Media Scanner link.

    1. How do I uninstall ESET Social Media Scanner?
      For instructions to uninstall ESET Social Media Scanner for Twitter, visit the following Knowledgebase article: Install or remove ESET Social Media Scanner for Twitter.


    1. Do I need to have a valid ESET license to use ESET Social Media Scanner?
      No, ESET Social Media Scanner does not require a license.
       

    1. How much does ESET Social Media Scanner cost?
      ESET Social Media Scanner is free.
       

    1. Why am I being asked to authorize ESET Social Media Scanner for use with my social media profile?
      Many social networks require you to authorize the use of any app with your profile. You must grant ESET Social Media Scanner permission to function properly.
       

    1. Is there a user guide for ESET Social Media Scanner?
      Visit our Online Help page for more information about using Social Media Scanner.
       

    1. What happened to ESET Social Media Scanner for Facebook?
      The stand-alone version of ESET Social Media Scanner for Facebook was discontinued on April 30, 2015. ESET announced a partnership with Facebook in December 2014, and as a result, now protects all Facebook users in a more integrated way. For more information, see this ESET Knowledgebase article.
       

  1. Why does Facebook require that I scan my computer with ESET?
    Facebook has implemented a "Malware Checkpoint" feature that automatically prompts you to scan your computer when you log into your Facebook account. For more information, see this ESET Knowledgebase article.