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Antivirus is software that protects computers and devices from malicious code (malware) designed to steal or harm data and personal information. It’s one of the most critical cybersecurity tools available.

Many antivirus programs use databases of tell-tale “fingerprints” that have been linked to specific viruses. As malware develops, cybersecurity researchers add digital fingerprints to the AV databases; the software scans incoming files and programs for matches to those signatures. It’s a good idea to update the virus definitions regularly.

When a software program detects a known threat, it isolates the harmful program and prevents it from communicating with other programs on your system. It then thoroughly deletes the malware. The best antivirus software also guards against unauthorized programs that are designed to gather information, such as spyware, by masquerading as valid programs and logging keystrokes or mining your personal information. Most AV programs handle spyware as well as other threats, and some include a specialized component for spyware protection.

It’s important to note that antivirus programs offer only limited protection against phishing scams, other forms of online fraud and attacks on your accounts, to name just a few. If you want a complete cybersecurity solution, consider combining your antivirus with a firewall and extra safety features like password managers or identity theft protection.