What is Antivirus?

Understanding Antivirus

Antivirus software is a protective tool installed on computers to defend against harmful programs, often referred to as malware. It constantly keeps an eye on what’s happening inside your system so it can quickly spot anything unusual—like files behaving oddly, programs trying to copy themselves, or data getting hijacked. Most antivirus programs work by scanning incoming files and code against a database of known malicious patterns (often called “virus signatures”), but the more advanced ones can also watch for suspicious activities that haven’t been officially classified yet.

Besides simply identifying risks, good antivirus solutions allow you to schedule routine scans—meaning you can set them to check your entire system automatically at specific times. Some of these programs also include real-time protection, which means they’re continually on guard and can jump in immediately if they detect something fishy. And if a threat slips through, antivirus software typically offers quarantine or removal features, helping you isolate and get rid of the offending code without it causing further damage.

As the world of digital threats continues to expand, with new malware families cropping up daily, antivirus software has become an essential part of personal and business cybersecurity. It doesn’t solve every security problem out there, but it does form a valuable first line of defense—especially for folks who are constantly downloading files, browsing unfamiliar websites, or relying on email attachments. When backed by regular updates, antivirus tools can significantly lower the risk of everything from garden-variety trojans to more sophisticated hacking attempts that try to hijack your system’s resources or steal your personal data.