Antivirus is a type of computer program that's designed to seek out and remove computer viruses that have infected your computer. They can also block your system from getting infected with new viruses.
There are antivirus programs available for every operating system, including Windows, Mac OS, Android, iPhone, and even Linux. The word "antivirus" is a misnomer, considering that most of these applications can also clean any form of malware from your system, not only viruses.
What is an antivirus software designed to do?
What exactly is an antivirus software designed to do? We’re talking about a program or umbrella of programs whose purpose is to scan for and eradicate computer viruses and other malicious software, also known as malware. Antivirus software is a vital component of your overall online and computer security strategy in its protection against data and security breaches along with other threats.
When looked at simply, a computer virus is similar to a cold virus. It’s designed to go from one computer or device to the next, copying itself, and spreading malicious codes and programs that can damage and infiltrate your operating systems. Viruses are designed to give criminals access to their victims’ devices.
These viruses, spyware, and other malicious software are known as malware and can be surreptitiously installed on your computer or device. Malware can do everything from crashing your device to monitoring or controlling your online activity. This control may enable hackers to send spam and steal your private information, which could eventually lead to identity theft.
Antivirus software provides protection against these types of threats by performing key tasks:
Pinpointing specific files for the detection of malicious software
Scheduling automatic scans
Scanning either one file or your entire computer at your discretion
Deleting malicious codes and software
Confirming the safety of your computer and other devices
As cybercrime evolves and becomes more sophisticated, whether it’s your own PC or other devices on a larger network, you don’t want to leave yourself or your network vulnerable. If you don’t have security software, you could be opening the door for cybercriminals to gain access to your most sensitive information — and potentially garner control over your computer and mobile devices.
How Antivirus Works
How do antivirus apps and antivirus software work?
Antivirus scans and help remove malware files that enter a computer, tablet or smartphone. Norton AntiVirus technology uses machine learning to determine if a file is good or bad, and can do so even if it’s the first time seeing that file.
Norton protection also uses “emulation” (running each file in a lightweight virtual machine) to cause online threats to reveal themselves – this happens in milliseconds as you double-click on files on your desktop. File signature data is now stored in the cloud, and Norton protection has undergone hundreds of optimizations on the antivirus engine to minimize impacting the user experience.
What are the different types of antivirus protection?
Several types of antivirus programs have evolved over the years. When setting up your umbrella of protection, it’s important to understand the more common antivirus programs available.
Malware signature antivirus
Malware, or malicious software, installs viruses and spyware on your computer or device without your knowledge. Malware can steal your login information, use your computer to send spam, crash your computer system, and essentially give cybercriminals access to your devices and the information stored on them, and even the ability to monitor and control your online activity.
Malware signature antivirus software detects malware signatures, which are digital fingerprints of malicious software. Antivirus protection can scan for specific malicious codes, identify specific viruses, and disable these programs.
While malware signature antivirus protection is key for detecting and eradicating known viruses, one limitation is its inability to address new viruses. The antivirus product simply doesn’t contain these new virus signatures.
System monitoring antivirus
This is where system monitoring antivirus software comes into play. This antivirus protection can monitor software and computer systems for behavior that is suspect or atypical of the user.
For instance, alerts are created when a user connects to unfamiliar sites or attempts to access a large number of files, or when there’s a significant increase in data usage.
Machine learning antivirus
Another form of protection can be machine learning techniques, which monitor “normal” computer or network behaviors. The machine learning antivirus software is able to limit activities by programs or computers if they look suspicious.
More specifically, machine learning detection implements algorithms to facilitate malware detection that is broader in scope. This type of antivirus protection is beneficial because it works in tandem with other antivirus applications to provide multiple layers of protection.
One example of machine learning is the design of Microsoft’s latest antivirus software, which can gather data from more than 400 million computers running on Windows 10 to discover new malware. (Note: To be clear, this is diagnostic data that a consumer can opt-out of reporting.) This, in turn, takes us back to the importance of signatures, as this intelligence will allow for the development of new signatures for the latest malware discovered. This automation is key in its ability to stay on top of the latest viruses.
What does antivirus software help protect us from?
The beauty of malware for hackers is its ability to gain access to or damage a computer without our knowledge. It’s important to be aware of the many different types of malicious codes, or “malware,” against which antivirus software is designed to protect:
Spyware: stealing sensitive information
Ransomware: extorting money
Viruses
Worms: spreading copies between computers
Trojans: promising one thing but delivering another
Adware: advertising
Spam: spreading unwanted email
Isn’t Windows Defender enough?
Starting with Windows 8, Windows has built-in antivirus protection known as Windows Defender that is enabled by default. But is it enough? The answer is “maybe” in that its efficacy isn’t certain due to its reliance on several moving parts.
For instance, Windows Defender is a good defense against traditional viruses. But it may not detect threats beyond regular viruses, and may not protect your devices against more sophisticated infiltrations such as ransomware. So its effectiveness also depends on how careful you are as an individual. Are you going to click on that link or email attachment from an unknown sender or website? In order to be safe, you likely need an added layer of protection.
Do I need antivirus protection for Mac?
While Macs and other Apple devices may not be as frequently targeted as Windows computers, it’s still a good idea to get additional antivirus protection to be ready for what may come in the future. At the moment, if you’re careful about what you open, don’t click on unknown links or attachments, and are careful in your online activity, you may be safe. But is it an unknown risk you’re willing to take? “Safe for now” may transition to “no longer safe.”
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How do you uninstall antivirus software?
In Windows, go to Control Panel > Uninstall a Program, select the antivirus software, then choose Uninstall. On a Mac, select Finder in the Dock, then Applications. If the antivirus software is in a folder, look for an uninstaller and run it. If it's not in a folder and doesn't have an uninstaller, drag the icon to the trash can.
Free antivirus software: Does it work?
Another common question is whether free antivirus software protects us. But is anything ever really free? “Free” antivirus inevitably supports and makes money with advertising and tracking, and by installing junkware.
Free downloads also can hide malware. If you go this route, only download software from sites that you absolutely trust. You also must ensure that your security setting is set high enough to detect malicious codes.
Another thing to keep in mind when considering whether to rely on free antivirus protection? Identity theft protection, mobile security, and data security support options. These important security features often are lacking with free software.
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