Anti-virus software is a foundational cybersecurity tool designed to protect digital systems from malicious software (malware). It continuously monitors computer systems using sophisticated scanning techniques including signature-based detection, heuristic analysis, and behavioral monitoring to identify, prevent, and remediate threats such as viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, ransomware, and rootkits. By intercepting threats before they can execute, anti-virus programs prevent unauthorized access, data corruption, and system disruption.

The effectiveness of anti-virus software relies on regularly updated threat intelligence and definition files that enable recognition of new attack vectors and malicious patterns. Real-time protection features allow these programs to quarantine or eliminate suspicious files immediately upon detection. In the broader context of network and infrastructure security, deploying anti-virus solutions across all connected devices forms a primary line of defense, enhancing organizational resilience against persistent cyber threats and maintaining the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of critical information.