Antivirus software is a type of software that protects computers from malware infections. This includes viruses and Trojans as well as adware rootkits, spyware and worms. It also helps to detect and repair the damage done by these threats.

Antivirus software is storing documents online essential for every computer or mobile device. They can identify and remove ransomware, phishing emails spam, and any other malicious software. They can even scan and protect connected devices like cameras, printers, SmartTVs, and other appliances from malware-related infections too.

When choosing an antivirus software choose one that has an established track record of passing numerous tests and receiving favorable reviews from independent labs. Virus Bulletin and TechRadar are among the organizations that conduct tests and review antivirus software. They will explain what protections they offer as well as how the program performs, and if it’s worth the money.

While traditional antivirus software relies on the signature, or binary pattern, of a virus in order to recognize it as malicious, hackers have stayed ahead of this by generating oligomorphic, polymorphic, and most recently metamorphic viruses which encrypt a portion of themselves or otherwise modify their appearance so that they don’t match the signatures of antivirus databases. Modern antivirus programs are designed to be more effective against these advanced malware threats by using the sandbox analysis technique, which puts the file in an environment that simulates the way it behaves prior to allowing it to enter the system.