How Does Antivirus Work?
Antivirus protects against viruses and malware on computers, tablets and smartphones.
Unlike in the past, where antivirus software was limited to computer viruses, today’s antivirus products have become more sophisticated and include many additional tools for protecting against other types of malware, such as spyware, phishing attacks, unauthorized cryptocurrency mining and ransomware threats.
Modern antivirus software uses multiple technologies to detect and block cyber threats, including behavior-based detection, signature-based detection, host intrusion prevention system (HIPS), data loss protection and heuristics. The most powerful protections are often used by specialized security solutions and may require a monthly subscription or licensing agreement.
Antivirus works by scanning computers, servers and mobile devices for suspicious files and programs. These scans can be conducted automatically, or manually by users at any time.
The scans are performed by examining directories and specific files against a library of known malicious signatures to identify abnormal patterns that indicate the presence of malware. Once identified, the antivirus software isolates and removes any infected files.
Most modern antivirus products also protect against other threats, such as spyware, phishing and spam. Some also protect against unauthorized network access and remote logins.
These features are essential for keeping your business safe, especially in an age where more than 90% of the world’s population will have internet connections by 2030, according to CyberCrime Magazine.
When purchasing antivirus software, it’s important to ensure that you choose a program that offers frequent updates. This is necessary to catch up with the latest and most complex threats. It’s also a good idea to check that the antivirus program doesn’t interfere with the installation of updates or hardware upgrades.