anti-virus program
Noun: A software application designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software (malware), particularly computer viruses, from a computer system. Its primary functions include scanning files and memory for known virus signatures, monitoring system behavior for suspicious activity, and blocking or quarantining identified threats to prevent their spread and damage.
An anti-virus program is essential software installed on a computer to provide security. It typically runs in the background, performing automatic scans, and can also be manually activated to check specific files or drives. * You should update your anti-virus program regularly to protect against new threats. * The IT department requires an anti-virus program to be installed on all company laptops. * My anti-virus program detected a threat and quarantined the infected file.
- Real-time protection / On-access scanning: A core feature where the anti-virus program actively monitors system activity (like file downloads, openings, or executions) to block malware instantly.
- With real-time protection enabled, the anti-virus program blocked the malicious email attachment as soon as I clicked on it.
- Heuristic analysis: An advanced technique used by anti-virus programs to identify new, previously unknown viruses or variants by analyzing code behavior and structure for suspicious characteristics.
- The anti-virus program's heuristic engine flagged the software as potentially unwanted due to its unusual behavior.
- Antivirus (often used as a noun or adjective): A common alternative spelling and a shorter form of "anti-virus program."
- I need to buy new antivirus. (noun)
- Make sure your antivirus software is active. (adjective)
- Security suite: A more comprehensive software package that includes an anti-virus program along with additional tools like a firewall, anti-spam, and parental controls.
- Malware scanner / Virus scanner: Terms that describe a core function of an anti-virus program.
- Virus protection
- Anti-malware software (a broader term that includes protection against viruses, spyware, ransomware, etc.)
- To run an anti-virus scan: To initiate a check of the system by the program.
- It's a good practice to run an anti-virus scan on any new USB drive you connect.
- Anti-virus definitions / virus database: The files that contain the identifying patterns (signatures) of known malware, which the program uses for detection. These require frequent updates.
- Your computer is at risk if your anti-virus definitions are out of date.
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a computer program that checks a computer for viruses and prevents their spread
