File Reputation Services checks the reputation of each file against an extensive in-the-cloud database. Since the malware information is stored in the cloud, it is available instantly to all users. High performance content delivery networks and local caching servers ensure minimum latency during the checking process. The cloud-agent architecture offers more immediate protection and eliminates the burden of pattern deployment besides significantly reducing the overall agent footprint.

Agents must be in smart scan mode to use File Reputation Services. These agents are referred to as smart scan agents in this document. Agents that are not in smart scan mode do not use File Reputation Services and are called conventional scan agents. Apex One administrators can configure all or several agents to be in smart scan mode.