What is Antivirus Software ?

Antivirus software is a type of computer program designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, commonly known as malware, from computer systems. This software is essential for protecting computers and networks from cyber threats, such as viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and other malicious code that can damage or steal sensitive information from a computer system.

Antivirus software works by scanning the files, programs, and other data on a computer for signs of malicious code or behavior. If the software detects a threat, it can either remove the malware automatically or prompt the user to take action. Some antivirus programs also have features that prevent malware from being downloaded or installed on a computer in the first place.

Antivirus software typically uses a combination of signature-based detection, behavioral analysis, and heuristic techniques to identify and neutralize threats. Signature-based detection involves searching for specific patterns of code that are known to be associated with malware. Behavioral analysis involves monitoring the behavior of programs and processes to detect suspicious activity, while heuristic techniques involve using algorithms to identify new or unknown threats based on their behavior or characteristics.

Antivirus software can be installed on individual computers or deployed across an entire network. Some antivirus programs also offer additional features, such as firewalls, email filtering, and password managers, to further enhance the security of a computer system.