What is Antivirus?
Information technology (IT) is the set of computer systems, hardware and software used to store, process and distribute data within an organization. IT technicians are the people responsible for designing, installing, managing and troubleshooting these systems.
Antivirus is a type of software that protects computers and mobile devices from malware (malicious software) like viruses. It is typically run as a background program, constantly scanning files and other system components for any potential threats. Its most basic function is to detect and remove malware, but it may also prevent the spread of a virus from one device to another or stop a malicious website from connecting to a vulnerable computer.
Traditional antivirus protection relies on a library of “signatures” for known viruses and malware, identifying them by the pattern of their binary code. However, malware authors stay a step ahead of antivirus detection by creating “oligomorphic,” “polymorphic” and more recently “metamorphic” viruses that encrypt or otherwise modify their signatures to avoid detection.
Antivirus programs are typically paired with other cybersecurity tools to provide comprehensive online protection. This can include password protection, credit monitoring, identity theft coverage and a VPN, among others. These additional features add layers of protection to your devices, privacy and security that simply aren’t available through standalone antivirus apps alone.