What is the main function of an antivirus program?

The main function of an antivirus program is to detect and remove malicious software, a crucial aspect of maintaining system security. Antivirus software employs various methods such as signature-based detection, heuristic analysis, and behavior monitoring to identify and neutralize threats like viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware. By scanning files, monitoring system activity, and analyzing new software installations, antivirus programs help protect systems from being compromised by malware, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of user data.

Understanding the role of antivirus software is essential for protecting IT environments, as it acts as an essential line of defense against the increasingly sophisticated cyber threats that target computers and networks. While other options mention functions related to network performance or software development, they do not pertain to the main purpose of antivirus programs, which center on malware protection and removal.