Antivirus Software – What Features Should You Look For in a Good Antivirus Program?
Antivirus software is one of the most important tools everyone should rely on to protect their computers, smartphones and tablets from malware. But with so many different options on the market, it’s hard to know which product is best for you. To help make your decision, it’s important to understand how antivirus programs work and what features to look for in a good antivirus program.
Most antivirus programs begin by scanning your computer’s files and comparing them against a database of known viruses. If it finds a suspicious file, it can then either quarantine it and block access to it or simply remove it entirely. Some antivirus programs also offer additional safety features, such as identity theft protection, password managers and parental controls.
Aside from signature and heuristic detection, some of the newer antivirus programs out there also utilize behavior-based detection. This method looks for unauthorized changes to devices, attempts at monitoring keystrokes and other signs of malicious activity and infers intent based on those observations. It can be a helpful supplement to other detection methods and works well when used in conjunction with heuristics and signature analysis.
Another feature to consider when selecting an antivirus program is how often it updates its virus definitions. With so many new malware threats popping up all the time, it’s critical that your antivirus program is constantly being updated with the latest information in order to remain effective. If you choose a program that doesn’t update frequently enough, it can quickly become obsolete and leave your computer vulnerable to attack.