Understanding the Basics of Cybersecurity

FAQ About Understanding the Basics of Cybersecurity

What is antivirus software?

Antivirus software, also known as anti-malware software, is a type of security software designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software (malware) from a computer system. Malware includes viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, and other types of malicious software.

Antivirus software typically works by scanning a computer system for known malware signatures or patterns of suspicious behavior. If malware is detected, the antivirus software can either quarantine the infected files, remove the malware, or alert the user to take action.

Antivirus software can be installed on a computer or network, and can be set up to perform automatic scans at scheduled intervals. It can also be configured to perform real-time scanning of incoming files and email attachments.

While antivirus software can be effective in detecting and removing known malware, it is not foolproof and may not catch all types of malware or the latest variants. Therefore, it is important to keep antivirus software up-to-date with the latest security patches and virus definitions, and to practice safe browsing and downloading habits to minimize the risk of infection.