Virus protection is only one component of an organization’s arsenal. Increasingly, cyber criminals are using more sophisticated techniques to bypass antivirus software and gain access to systems. To stay ahead of the curve, businesses require an array of firewalls, antivirus and other cybersecurity solutions, including malware detection, behavioral analysis, threat intelligence and data encryption.
To find the right antivirus software for your needs, start with your list of requirements and compare providers. Look for companies that have a large number of customers and a variety of payment options. Choose a company that provides real-time scanning and regularly updates their malware database. The most effective antivirus software will only detect new viruses if it has an the most up-to-date database.
Signature-based detection is the most popular way to detect malware. It keeps a database with distinct code snippets of code that detect known threats. Antivirus software searches for these thumbprints when it scans, and if it finds the same pattern, it will issue an alert to the user. This method is not as effective against malware that is metamorphic or polymorphic that encrypts or alters itself to avoid detection by antivirus software.
Another important aspect to look for in an antivirus program is heuristic-based detection, which analyzes how malware operates and looks for patterns that could indicate malicious intent. This method can help to detect previously unknown viruses, but when it isn’t adjusted to the user’s environment it could lead to security alert fatigue.