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Antivirus software protects computers, laptops and mobile devices from malware attacks. It scours email attachments, websites and other files for dangerous content and thwarts hackers by preventing them from accessing systems and data. Antivirus software typically uses a mix of scanning methods, real-time threat detection and quarantine functions. It may also thwart unauthorized network access and alert users when suspicious devices or files have been attached.

Malware (also known as malicious software) can harm your computer, steal confidential information or encrypt and delete your personal files. It is often inadvertently downloaded from shady email attachments, unsafe downloads and insidious cyberattacks. Antivirus programs scan your computer for harmful content, detecting and deleting malicious software.

Signature-based detection is the most common method for catching malware. It uses a database of digital thumbprints created by cybersecurity professionals to detect incoming threats. Whenever a new malware strain is discovered, its thumbprint gets added to the antivirus software’s database. If the software finds a file matching that thumbprint, it will notify you of its potential danger and quarantine it to prevent infections.

Modern AV software also relies on heuristic analysis, which looks for patterns that indicate the presence of malware. This method is effective at catching old, well-known threats, but it can miss new and modified variants of existing malware. It is important to remember that no antivirus program, paid or free, can catch every piece of malware that attempts to enter your system. For that reason, it is essential to pair a strong antivirus program with other security tools like secure passwords, two-factor authentication, systemwide backups and smart privacy tools.