How Does Antivirus Work?
Antivirus is a software program that detects, prevents, scans and removes malware (malicious software). Malware can harm your computer or laptop by stealring data, encrypting files, damaging hardware or even erasing them. It can also infect other devices on your network.
Unlike traditional antivirus products that run in the background, modern cybersecurity solutions protect your clients and your business by continuously scanning files, applications, and websites for suspicious activity. They are designed to identify new attack methods and protect against the latest threats, including zero-day exploits and next-gen malware.
The key to choosing the right antivirus solution is understanding how it works. This can help you provide the best level of protection to your clients and improve your overall cybersecurity posture.
Today’s malware is increasingly polymorphic and quickly changes appearance to avoid detection by older, definition-based antivirus programs. AV programs often require frequent updates to stay up to date with the latest malicious signatures associated with these strains.
Behavioral detection: These days, security professionals are opting for behavior-based detection over signature-based as it has a much higher detection rate. It monitors installed files for signs of suspicious activity, and uses this to trigger quarantines.
Viruses are the oldest and most common form of malware, but there are more sophisticated forms of cyberattack now than ever. These include worms, Trojan horses, and ransomware. The good news is that your antivirus can thwart most of these attacks by blocking and removing malicious code before it can spread.