An antivirus is a program that allows users to detect, remove and prevent malware infestations in a digital device or system. These antiviruses have a database of the latest malware and their directories, which they scan and compare in the system files.
It may also scan the system for suspicious behavior, which could indicate that there is something wrong with the system. While these antiviruses do not grant 100% protection against malware and viruses, they are still popular.
Statistics reveal that over there was a 25% increase in ransomware attacks in 2021 as compared to 2020. Unfortunately, this number keeps on increasing because these cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated by each day.
How Does an Antivirus Software Scan Work?
Antiviruses operate in two stages, on-demand, and access. The on-demand antivirus programs scan when the user demands it. However, the on-access antivirus keeps scanning in the background for possible threats.
There are various items that this software scans for, including the following:
Malware
Malware is a broader term, which includes a wider range of programs and attacks. Most commonly these include ransomware, adware, spyware, etc.
However, these programs primarily focus on using the devices without the user’s permission. This can allow these programs to steal personal information and successfully use it for identity theft.
There are Trojan viruses, which are malware disguised as actual software. Again, these Trojan viruses allow users to control other devices.
Spyware
Spyware is a virus that focuses on stealing sensitive information, such as credit card details. These viruses are most common with financial deceit and unauthorized transactions.
Other more advanced types are the key loggers that store keystrokes while the user types them on the device.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a virus that attackers install in a user’s device to make the device unusable unless the users pay off the required amount for their device as ransom.
Adware
Adware hides on devices and shows targeted ads on the screen according to the user’s online activity. However, these adware viruses track the online activity of the user during all this time as well.
Scams
Scams occur for users in the form of texts, e-mails, or other targeted messages. They usually come in the form of unsolicited commercials or a bulk e-mail. These e-mails are called UCE or UBE, also called junk mail. There are two kinds of scams
- Phishing: Emails containing harmful websites and their links sent to the user for download.
- Pharming: Pharming works similar to phishing, but it requires the users to enter a particular code before sabotaging the system.
Spoofing
Spoofing is when an attacker pretends to be someone else to compromise a user’s credentials. For example, a hacker may pretend to be from a bank or a government official to inquire about the user’s personal information.
Remote Access Attack
Remote access attacks are attempts to compromise one system or a network of computers to extract information from them. These attacks focus on the vulnerable parts of the system and extract information from them. They can steal data, monitor system activity, introduce a virus, and much more.
Viruses
Viruses are codes or programs that attach themselves to real software to compromise information and corrupt data.
How Does Antivirus Software Protect Against Cyber Security Threats?
Antiviruses have a behavior-based detection system that compares users usually actions and the ones during a possible cyber attack. It also compares the fingerprint of the users, known as signature analysis. It may also perform in-memory scans to check for possible threats within the system. Lastly, these antivirus programs may store suspicious files in a safer section of the system, this is called sandboxing.
You probably understand the various categories of viruses and digital threats that your devices may be at risk of. Now, let us talk about the role of antiviruses in dealing with these threats.
Reactive File Scanning
Most viruses are harmless until you open or run them. The antivirus programs run these viruses through a directory of in-built malware databases and react accordingly.
Complete System Scans
Antiviruses can scan complete systems for compromised information and data. However, this process usually takes longer than focusing on and checking individual files.
Web Browsing Protection
Antiviruses protect against threats while users browse the internet.
Threat Detection Rates
The rate of detection and its success depends on the virus’s ability to run through the database. The antivirus removes the threat and if it is within the database, the program detects and removes it efficiently.
Bottom Line
Antiviruses are programs that detect cyberattacks or unwanted actions within a device. These programs can protect against cyber security threats and data breaches. It does so by scanning for all kinds of harmful files and then necessary actions to control them.