Technology
How does antivirus software work?
Antivirus software works by scanning your device for known threats and suspicious behavior. It compares files against a database of known malware 'signatures' and watches for actions that look dangerous, then blocks or removes anything harmful.
See it in motion.
Watch a 2-minute animated lesson that shows exactly how antivirus software works.
Step by step
- 1It scans files against a database of known malware.
- 2It also watches for suspicious behavior, not just known threats.
- 3It quarantines or deletes anything it flags as dangerous.
- 4It updates constantly as new threats appear.
Frequently asked questions
- How does antivirus software detect viruses?
- By matching files to known malware signatures and flagging suspicious behavior in real time.
- What is a malware signature?
- A unique digital fingerprint of known malicious code that antivirus tools scan for.
- Why must antivirus software update so often?
- New malware appears constantly, so its threat database needs frequent updates to stay effective.