What Is Antivirus and Why Is It Important?
Antivirus (AV) is a software program that is designed to detect and eradicate viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits and other malicious code from a computer. It is a very important security tool for computer users, because it helps them protect their personal data and information from hackers and cybercriminals.
Virus: A virus is a self-replicating piece of malicious code that is designed to latch onto a legitimate file, corrupt it, and then spread through devices and emails. They can steal data, damage systems and may also be polymorphic, which changes their code to avoid antivirus programs.
Worm: Like viruses, worms are also self-replicating and can spread through systems and emails. They may also steal data, corrupt files and damage the system’s performance.
Malware: Modern malware is far more sophisticated than traditional viruses, and it can wreak havoc on your personal privacy or identity in a variety of ways. It can steal your passwords, send your information to crooks, hijack your accounts and more.
Other types of malware include adware, spyware and remote access trojans that steal or monitor your device’s location, internet activity and more. They can be very difficult to remove without proper protection.
There are many different types of antivirus products, ranging from free to premium. They are generally sold in annual renewable license subscriptions with varying levels of features. Nearly all licenses are deeply discounted the first year.