Updated on 02/22/2025
The best antivirus software defends your system against various types of malware, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, rootkits, keyloggers, and more. Here’s how it protects you:
Viruses can spread from one device to another, causing damage by corrupting files, stealing data, or crashing your system. Quick removal is critical.
Disguised as legitimate software, trojans trick users into installation, granting attackers control over your computer and access to sensitive data.
This malware encrypts your files and demands a ransom for their release. Even if you pay, there’s no guarantee your data will be restored, making prevention essential.
Worms self-replicate and spread without user action, often creating botnets used for cyberattacks or sending spam.
Keyloggers track every keystroke, capturing sensitive details like passwords and financial information, which attackers can exploit.
These malware types conceal themselves deep within your system to avoid detection. Rootkits allow attackers to access your device and execute malicious actions.
Spyware gathers personal information, including passwords, credit card details, and browsing history, and can track your activities.
Adware displays intrusive ads on your device and may collect personal information for targeting or malicious use.
Antivirus software is your frontline defense, working to detect and neutralize these threats before they can harm your system.
Antivirus software protects your devices by scanning for and removing viruses. Many programs also prevent threats and neutralize attacks in real time. The most effective antivirus solutions combine multiple techniques to ensure comprehensive security.
Key methods include:
AI-powered antivirus programs detect new and evolving threats by identifying patterns and anomalies.
Heuristics analyze file behavior, looking for suspicious actions that indicate a potential virus, even if it’s not a known one.
This approach tracks unusual changes in your device’s performance or operations that might signal malicious activity.
Suspicious files or programs are executed in a controlled, isolated environment to assess their behavior without risking harm to your system
This traditional method compares files on your computer to a database of known malware signatures to identify threats.
By combining these strategies, antivirus software provides robust protection to keep your devices safe from a wide range of cyber threats.
