What is the purpose of antivirus software?

 The purpose of antivirus software is to protect a computer system from malicious software (malware) such as viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and more.

It acts as a security guard that detects, blocks, and removes threats to keep your system, files, and personal data safe.

🛡️ Key Purposes of Antivirus Software

1. 🕵️‍♂️ Detection of Malware

• Scans files, programs, emails, and web activity for known or suspicious behavior.

Uses techniques like:

• Signature-based detection (matching known malware fingerprints).
• Heuristic analysis (detecting unknown threats based on behavior).
• Behavioral monitoring (watching for unusual system activity).
• AI/ML-based detection (adaptive threat identification).

2. 🧹 Removal of Infections

• Quarantines or deletes malicious files that have been detected.
• Prevents the malware from spreading or damaging the system.
• 3. 🛑 Real-Time Protection

• Constantly monitors the system to block threats before they execute.
• Scans downloads, email attachments, and external devices (like USB drives) in real-time.

4. 🌐 Web & Email Protection

• Warns or blocks access to malicious websites or phishing pages.
• Scans emails and attachments to prevent scams or infected content.

5. 🔐 System and Privacy Protection

• Prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data (e.g., keystroke logging, webcam hijacking).

May include:

• Firewall
• Password managers
• VPNs (in some security suites)
• Ransomware protection

🔄 Common Features of Antivirus Software

• Feature Description
• Full System Scan Deep scan of all files and drives for threats.
• Quick Scan Checks key areas where malware usually hides.
• Automatic Updates Keeps virus definitions up to date to detect new threats.
• Quarantine Isolates suspicious files for review or removal.
• Scheduled Scans Allows users to set regular scan times.

🧪 Example Threats Antivirus Protects Against:

• Malware Type What It Does
• Virus Infects and spreads between files or systems.
• Worm Self-replicates and spreads without user action.
• Trojan Horse Disguises itself as legitimate software.
• Spyware Collects user data without consent.
• Ransomware Locks data and demands payment to restore it.
• Adware Displays unwanted ads or pop-ups.

✅ In Summary:

• Antivirus software protects your computer by detecting, blocking, and removing malicious software, helping to prevent data loss, system damage, and unauthorized access.