Antivirus protection helps to guard against malware, ransomware and other threats. They also shield devices from identity theft, data breaches and online fraud. The most effective antivirus software suites include extra security features such as password management, VPN and even parental controls. They’re available for desktop computers and mobile devices.

The majority of antivirus software employs a technique known as signature-based identification that has a huge database of code fragments http://www.antivirussolutions.net/windows-defender-vs-avast-which-one-is-more-secure/ that represent known malware. During scanning the antivirus software, it looks for these signatures. It warns users when these signatures are discovered. However, hackers are constantly generating new viruses that have variants that can defy traditional antivirus signatures. This is known as polymorphic malware, and it’s designed to defeat signature-based detection techniques. To combat this, some antivirus programs use cloud-based detection tools that make use of global intelligence to detect and stop emerging threats.

Another feature to look for in an antivirus application is the use of behavior-based detection, which is a more sophisticated technique which monitors the user’s actions for suspicious patterns. This is particularly efficient when it is coupled with signature- or heuristics-based detection. It can also be used to detect zero-day attacks, which are threats that haven’t been cataloged yet.

Businesses can also choose antivirus solutions that are scaleable to meet their needs. Some are designed to operate as a complete security suite, with additional tools such as firewalls, intrusion-detection systems and multifactor authentication. Many business owners lack the expertise required to create and manage these cybersecurity systems, and are able to turn to managed service providers for help.