Antivirus software, also known as anti-malware or antivirus software, is a computer program designed to prevent, detect, and remove malware from computers, mobile devices, and networks.
Malware is a term used to describe harmful software to a device or network, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and other malicious software.
Antivirus software works by scanning a device or network for known malware signatures and attempting to remove any detected malware. It also typically includes features that can help to prevent malware from being installed on a device in the first place, such as blocking access to known malicious websites or email attachments.
Antivirus software is typically used on personal computers, laptops, and other devices connected to the internet, servers, and other networked devices in businesses and organizations.
It is important to keep antivirus software up to date to protect against the latest threats, as new malware is constantly being developed and released. Some antivirus software programs offer automatic updates to help ensure that devices are protected against the latest threats.
Types of Anti-Virus
There are several types of antivirus software available, including:
Standalone antivirus:
This is a single antivirus program that protects against malware and viruses.
Security suite:
This is a collection of security-related programs that protect against malware and viruses and additional features such as a firewall, spam filter, and password manager.
Internet security:
This is a type of antivirus software that is specifically designed to protect against online threats such as malware and viruses that are transmitted through the internet.
Mobile antivirus:
This antivirus software protects mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets from malware and other threats.
Cloud-based antivirus:
This antivirus software is delivered and managed through the cloud rather than installed on individual devices. Cloud-based antivirus software can protect against malware and viruses and additional features such as a firewall and spam filter.
Choosing antivirus software suitable for your specific needs and the devices you want to protect is important.
It is also important to remember that no antivirus software is 100% effective at preventing all malware attacks. It is always a good idea to practice good cybersecurity habits, such as using strong passwords and being cautious when opening emails or downloading files from the internet.
