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Antivirus is software that scans, prevents, detects and removes malware (malicious software) such as viruses from computers or laptops. Malware can harm your files, steal information, or even hijack your device to make money for cybercriminals. It can be delivered in attachments attached to dubious emails, hidden on USB drives or other external devices, or downloaded by visiting dodgy websites. Antivirus programs guard against this malicious code by running in the background to detect and block it.

Traditional antivirus protection relies on a database of known virus signatures to identify malware. This approach is effective at blocking millions of established threats, but it’s less efficient against newer infections. Adversaries stay a step ahead by writing viruses that “obfuscate” or modify themselves as they execute to avoid detection. To combat this, modern antivirus programs use heuristics-based analysis to examine program behavior and flag suspicious activity.

Some programs offer on-access scanning to immediately review incoming files and memory, and scheduled scans that run at predetermined times on a daily or weekly basis. Other programs use cloud-based threat intelligence to quickly detect and remove new strains of viruses as they emerge.

Lastly, many antivirus programs come with extra safety features like identity theft protection and parental controls. When choosing an antivirus, consider what else it offers besides basic protection from malware and how much it costs. Most security programs require a subscription to continue to function, and some will stop working once the license expires. Look for an antivirus program that offers a convenient way to renew online, or includes a button in the app to renew when the license expires.