The types of Antivirus and use cases of Antivirus
In the modern world, technology is growing rapidly and the computer system is developing day by day. The internet has changed our way of living. The lifestyle of people now broadly depends on the internet. Â Along with the growth of the internet, cybercrime has increased a lot in the computer types of devices. Some unidentified individuals are always trying to steal our valuable data or hack our devices using viruses, worms, trojans, etc. In some cases, we are giving our information to those hackers for our own mistakes. Antivirus software plays an important role in that case to protect our computer system from hackers and data breaches. This article covers what Antivirus is, how it works, the types of viruses, and the use cases of Antivirus.
Antivirus software is a type of software that is designed to help the computer system by protecting, detecting, and removing malicious software and programs. Antivirus software prevents, scans, and detects viruses, then removes them from the system. Along with protecting the malware software, some Antivirus software provides a full security package that includes the full protection of the computer system on the internet. Most Antivirus programs work in the background of the system, providing real-time protection. Antivirus software is available for all operating systems.
How Antivirus software works
Antivirus software works by scanning our devices. The Antivirus software generally looks for a program that is malicious and then crosschecks that program with the database of the virus. Hackers are creating new forms of viruses day by day and so, the Antivirus needs to check the new malware threats. The files, programs, and applications are checked by the Antivirus and then the Antivirus crosschecks them with the database of the virus and finds the match. If any program, file, or application seems to be matched with the database of the virus, then the Antivirus marks that file, program or application as malware software and removes that from the system. Most Antivirus programs use different forms of detection to provide the best protection.
Signature detection
The signature detection form is involved in matching the known patterns or signatures. In signature detection, the Antivirus analyses the malware sample and specific pieces of code that are present in the known viruses and then removes them. This is the core component of an Antivirus but it has some limitations. The virus needs to be known to be identified by the Antivirus otherwise, it will not protect the system. It works best for the known virus.
Heuristic detection
There is a heuristic type of virus that attacks the Antivirus and disables the Antivirus software. To protect the system from these types of viruses, Heuristic detection examines the code for suspicious behavior and architecture instead of specific signatures. This detection system analyzes the file to look for if the program, files, or application looks like to designed for creating the problem in the system and then flags that program, file, or application. Another type of analysis included in heuristic detection is the Multicriteria analysis (MCA) where the data is gathered and used from the other detection method to decide whether any program, file, or application needs to be flagged.
Cloud and sandbox analysis
The cloud and sandbox system tests a suspicious program under a closed environment and if the program is a virus then removes it before entering it into the real system.
Intrusion prevention via HIPS
HIPS is referred to as a host-based intrusion prevention system to protect the device from various types of malware, unauthorized access, and other malicious activities. HIPS continuously monitors the system activities and behavior of the computer files, programs, and applications and uses a set of pre-defined rules to detect the malware based on the virus attack pattern. HIPS provides real-time protection by analyzing events and activities in real time. It found any malicious activity violates the rule, and it takes action to prevent any further action by that malware.
Types of viruses
There are different types of viruses designed by hackers to access and steal information from users, as hackers need to use various methods to hack systems.
Malware
Malware is a general term for harmful software, which is produced by hackers to gain illegal access and damage the user’s computer system. Viruses, Trojan horses, worms, spyware, adware, ransomware, and other harmful software are all considered forms of malware.
Spyware
The main purpose of this is to collect the information of the user including the browsing history and people’s identities.
Keyloggers
Keylogger is one kind of spyware that can record while a user keystore on a computer or tap on a mobile. If any device is affected by a keylogger, a hacker will gain access to all the personal data of the user.
Browser hijackers
Using this, a hacker can access the user’s browser, change the settings and control the browser. With this, they can send the link that will redirect users to the site containing malware software.
Worms
Worms use software vulnerabilities to self-replicate and spread across the network and devices. Worms can act as a host program and that’s why it is tricky to detect and remove them.
Rootkits
Rootkits give unauthorized network and computer access to hackers by modifying the system settings. If any device is affected by a rootkit, it can access the camera and microphone and install other malware.
Adware
Adware affected the system with ads. Adware forces a user to see more pop-up ads online, change their browser settings and the user becomes the victim of a spyware attack.
Ransomware
Ransomware attacks a device and encrypts its file. Then, the files become inaccessible to the user and the hacker demands payment to decrypt the files.
Advantages of Antivirus
- Antivirus can detect, scan, and remove malware from the system
- Antivirus can block pop-up ads, a common source of malware and viruses, helping you stay safe online.
- The real-time scanning of Antivirus helps you to keep your browser safe
- The Antivirus helps the device by blocking access to the dangerous site
- The Antivirus software protects the system’s external devices such as the external hard drive.
Conclusion
However, there are some drawbacks to Antivirus software, such as its tendency to slow down the system. But day by day cyber threats and cybercrime are increasing. To be safe in the internet world, there is no other alternative option than using Antivirus software. There are lots of Antivirus software available. Some of the software is free and will offer only basic support while some of the software are paid. It would be best if you chose based on your needs and budget.
