What is the role of antivirus software?

Antivirus software plays a critical role in safeguarding computers and networks by detecting, preventing, and removing malware. Malware encompasses a variety of malicious software types, including viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware, all of which can compromise the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data on a system.

The primary function of antivirus software is to scan files, programs, and systems for known malware signatures and behaviors. When it identifies a potential threat, it can either quarantine the infected files, delete them, or resolve the issue, thereby protecting the operating system and user data from damage or unauthorized access. Regular updates to the antivirus program ensure that it remains effective against the latest threats.

In contrast, options that mention backing up data, improving internet speed, or facilitating user authentication do not relate to the primary function of antivirus software. Backing up data focuses on data recovery, improving internet speed pertains to network performance, and user authentication involves security measures to verify user identities. None of these roles align with the core purpose of antivirus solutions, which is to combat malware and secure systems from malicious attacks.