How Does Antivirus Software Work?
Antivirus software programs protect computers and laptops (as well as smartphones, tablets, e-readers and smartwatches) against malware, which is code that can steal or destroy data on these devices. Malware can infect a computer or smartphone through an attachment on a suspicious email, from an infected USB drive or by visiting a malicious website. Once on a device, it can encrypt your information so that you can’t access it, or erase it completely. Antivirus software typically works by checking files, apps and other content against a database of known viruses and malware.
Early antivirus programs used signature-based detection, which looked for digital fingerprints or other patterns associated with known malware threats. However, this type of detection can become obsolete as hackers release new strains of malware with modified digital fingerprints or other types of tampering, or as they create polymorphic malware programs that change their own code over time.
The best antivirus software will constantly refresh its infection databases to recognize new malware threats as soon as they’re discovered. It will also have features that enable users to run manual scans of their devices on demand, as well as to set up scheduled or automatic scanning. Some products will include additional cybersecurity protections, like monitoring whether your passwords have been included in a massive dump on the Dark Web or alerting you when criminals are trying to sell your personal information.
No antivirus tool is perfect. You should also use secure passwords, two-factor authentication and other forms of identity verification when possible, make sure to only download programs from official sources such as the Microsoft App Store or Apple’s App Store, and stay mindful about which websites you visit and what information you give out online.