antivirus software

Digital immune system

Antivirus software is a program designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software from a computer.

It scans files and programs for known threats like viruses, worms, and trojans, and monitors system activity for suspicious behavior.

Most operating systems now include basic antivirus protection, though third-party options offer additional features: Make sure your antivirus software is up to date.

Related

full system scan · McAfee · scan · Malwarebytes · free trial · protection · Norton · removal · popup · tech support · security · Avast · encryption · sandbox · subscription · automatic updates · update · definitions

Categories
Opposites
protective vs. harmful software

antivirus softwaremalware

Harmful computer programs

virus · computer virus · trojan horse · ransomware · spyware

security vs. vulnerability

antivirus softwaresecurity exploit

Attack leveraging system vulnerability

zero-day exploit · attack vector · hacking tool · vulnerability · security hole

Family

virus, software, viruses, antivirus, antiviral, virology, virological, nonviral, virologist

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G