What Is Antivirus?
Antivirus is software designed to detect and prevent contagious threats such as viruses, malware, worms, Trojan horses, backdoors, spyware, adware, ransomware, phishing attacks, pharming and other malicious code. It is typically installed on all devices that connect to the internet, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Originally, antivirus programs only prevented computer viruses from entering computer systems but later evolved to protect against a wide range of cyber threats such as ransomware.
Some of the major functions that antivirus software performs include protecting against hackers and data thieves, blocking unauthorized web access, improving web security, preventing data theft by encrypting files/data and improving PC performance. It also enables parents to monitor their children’s online activities and limit screen time and app permissions.
Antivirus programs are able to block phishing attacks by filtering emails, identifying suspicious links and blocking websites that contain malicious content. They also prevent users from unknowingly downloading or opening malware-infected attachments. Depending on the specific antivirus solution, it may include features such as:
It’s important to note that even the most sophisticated antivirus programs do not completely shield businesses from ransomware attacks. While these programs identify some ransomware attacks, it is recommended that organizations pair their antivirus solution with an always-on attack surface monitoring tool and experienced SecOps team to ensure complete security. Additionally, some of the more premium antivirus solutions will offer protection against multiple vulnerable apps, encryption of cloud storage for sensitive files and password managers to improve overall security and privacy.