An antivirus program is designed to search, detect and remove malware from your PC or mobile device. It’s a crucial first line of defense against malware, which can take your personal information, destroy your system or even spy on you through your webcam. Antivirus software usually runs in the background, scanning your devices and looking for threats. It also prevents the spread of infections via file sharing and alerts you to any issues.
Cyber antivirus can guard you from viruses as well like Trojans, worms, rootkits and adware. It is crucial to select an antivirus program that provides protection against these types of threats and has a solid track record of blocking these types of threats. Some programs offer additional options like a VPN service or password manager that can aid in protecting your privacy and devices.
Another thing to watch out for is regular updates to the malware database. Hackers are always finding new ways to get past antivirus security. Be sure that your program is updated.
Certain antivirus programs use heuristic detection. This technology analyzes patterns of how your system works and is able to detect malicious behavior even if the virus isn’t recognized. Another technology that is commonly used is sandbox analysis, which runs suspicious files in a safe environment to study their behavior, but without causing harm to your system. A good antivirus program will have a minimal impact on the performance of your computer. Beware of programs that consume lots of resources and displays advertisements. They can slow down your computer.