Viruses are a potential problem for any computer user who has ever connected their computer to the internet. Websites, e-mail, instant messengers, and many more may slip a virus into someone’s computer without the user’s knowledge. Antivirus software was created to correct this problem. Using advanced techniques to scan web traffic and files, these pieces of software provide a vital defense for any computer. Antivirus is complex software, and a basic knowledge of how it works is helpful in selecting which program is best for a specific computer.

Signature-based Scanning

Antivirus programs use two main methods of detection; signature-based and heuristic scanning. Signature-based detection is useful against malware that has already been identified, but is not effective against unknown viruses, commonly known as zero-day exploits. Signature-based scanning is the reason that virus software must update daily; to create a virus database on a user’s computer that can be referenced by antivirus software. In order to create this database, a newly found virus is uploaded to an analyzer. Once uploaded, a profile of the virus is created, and used to attribute certain traits to the virus, known as a “signature.” This signature is used to identify a virus upon scanning. Unfortunately, the creators of viruses are now using more advanced infection vectors and virus styles that have been proven to fool basic signature detectors. Because of this, modern and advanced antivirus software is a must.

Although a combination of these two types of detection are used in almost every antivirus program on the market, not all antivirus programs are equally effective. Given the importance of these pieces of software, it is vital to select one that is appropriate. Don’t waste money on a useless program, visit a review site for help selecting the best antivirus.

Heuristic Scanning

Always paired with signature-based scanning, heuristic scanning uses variants of signatures and models of virus behavior in order to determine if a virus is attempting to use any methods of deception in order to fool the signature-based scanner. In addition to being able to successfully foil many attempts of a virus to disguise itself against more basic scans, a heuristic scanner also has a good shot of identifying and successfully containing new viruses that have yet to be discovered. Many antivirus programs will automatically upload a signature of these viruses to analyzers so that they may be added to a database and the more reliable signature-based scanning can be used.