What is the primary function of anti-virus software?

The primary function of anti-virus software is to detect, prevent, and remove malware, which includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and other malicious programs that can compromise the security of a computer system. This type of software constantly scans files and applications for any signs of malicious activity, employing both signature-based detection (identifying known malware) and heuristic analysis (detecting unknown malware based on behaviors). By achieving these functions, anti-virus software helps protect sensitive data, maintain system integrity, and ensure that users can operate their systems safely without the risks associated with various forms of malware, such as data theft, loss of control over personal devices, or system damage.

This core mission distinguishes anti-virus software from other tools—it is not designed to enhance network speed, back up data, or improve user interfaces, which are functions associated with entirely different software solutions. Thus, the focus of anti-virus software is specifically on malware security, allowing users to operate their systems with confidence and safety.