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The A to Z of security
Got the Love Bug? Scared of spyware? Read all about what's keeping techies awake at night...

By Natasha Lomas

Published: Tuesday 14 November 2006

Antivirus

Most computer users should be aware by now that antivirus software will help protect PCs from viruses and other malware transmitted over the internet from device to device.

When installed on a PC, antivirus software monitors and scans inbound, outbound and existing files to check for traces of infection - traditionally by using what is known as a 'signature database', a library of known malicious code used to identify suspicious files.

Security from A to Z

Click on the links below to find out more...

A is for Antivirus
B is for Botnets
C is for CMA
D is for DDoS
E is for Extradition
F is for Federated identity
G is for Google
H is for Hackers
I is for IM
J is for Jaschan (Sven)
K is for Kids
L is for Love Bug
M is for Microsoft
N is for Neologisms
O is for Orange
P is for Passwords
Q is for Questions
R is for Rootkits
S is for Spyware
T is for Two-factor authentication
U is for USB sticks/devices
V is for Virus variants
W is for Wi-fi
X is for OS X
Y is for You
Z is for Zero-day

But since malware is ever-evolving, it is vital the database contains the latest threats - hence the need to download regular antivirus updates. And because signatures are seen as an increasingly outdated defence - by their very nature they are behind the threats - many AV vendors are producing more predictive technologies based on smarter analysis of data to second-guess potential threats before they strike – an approach known as heuristics.

Antivirus software also works by analysing what apps are trying to do - malicious programs can blow their cover by displaying suspicious patterns of behaviour (such as searching out executable or mail box files in order to propagate) or by containing code that sets alarm bells ringing (instructions to format a hard drive, for instance).

Once a virus has been detected the antivirus software will quarantine it, so it cannot spread, then attempt to erase it and repair any file-damage caused.

Nowadays it should be a matter of course for a company whose employees have web access to have up-to-date antivirus software installed across the network. The global antivirus market reached $3.7bn in revenue in 2004, according to market researcher IDC, which predicts it will swell to $7.3bn in 2009.