What is the purpose of antivirus software?

The purpose of antivirus software is to detect and remove malicious software. This includes various types of threats such as viruses, worms, trojans, and other forms of malware that can compromise the security and integrity of a computer system. Antivirus software works by scanning files and programs for known signatures of malware, monitoring system behavior for suspicious activity, and employing heuristics to identify potential threats based on behavioral patterns. By effectively identifying and eliminating these malicious entities, antivirus software plays a crucial role in maintaining the security and functionality of systems, protecting sensitive information, and ensuring safe computing practices.