Email client protection provides control of email communication received through the POP3 protocol. Using the plugin program for Microsoft Outlook, ESET NOD32 Antivirus provides control of all communications from the email client (POP3, MAPI, IMAP, HTTP). When examining incoming messages, the program uses all advanced scanning methods provided by the ThreatSense scanning engine. This means that detection of malicious programs takes place even before being matched against the virus signature database. Scanning of POP3 protocol communications is independent of the email client used.