What Is Antivirus?
Antivirus is software created specifically to prevent, scan and remove malicious programs known as viruses from a computer system or network. It typically runs continuously in the background to provide real-time protection against malware threats such as worms, Trojan horses and spyware. Most antivirus programs also include additional features such as firewall protection, password managers and parental controls.
A virus can take a number of different forms, from a simple file that can cause a program to crash or stop working, to an entire attack that takes over the host system and uses it as a platform for other attacks. Malware can spread through a variety of channels, including email attachments, infected websites and downloadable programs. A common type of malware is ransomware, which encrypts files and locks users out of their devices, with hackers offering to decrypt their data or return control of the device in exchange for ransom payments.
As malware attacks became more sophisticated, so too did the need for antivirus solutions. Many modern antivirus platforms use cloud-based detection and leverage heuristic analysis, behavioral detection and sandboxing to protect against new and emerging cyberattacks.
When choosing an antivirus program, it’s important to consider the ease of use and impact on system performance. Many programs offer free trials to help organizations assess their ease of installation and use. A thorough virus definition database is also essential, as well as heuristic and behavior-based detection tools to provide the most comprehensive protection against malware and other cyberattacks.