Definition
Antivirus, often abbreviated as AV, is a type of software designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, commonly known as malware. It achieves this by scanning files and programs for known virus signatures or by analyzing behavior for suspicious patterns. Implementing antivirus is crucial for protecting systems and data from a wide range of cyber threats. For instance, an antivirus program can block a phishing email attachment that contains a ransomware payload before it executes. While antivirus is a foundational security tool, it is not a complete solution. it should be used in conjunction with other security measures like firewalls and intrusion detection systems. You will encounter antivirus concepts on CompTIA Security+, CySA+, and CISSP certification exams.