What is the role of antivirus software in cybersecurity?

Prepare for the Department of Defense Cyber Awareness Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Ready yourself for success!

Antivirus software plays a crucial role in cybersecurity by focusing on the prevention and detection of malware on devices. It actively scans files and programs on a system for known viruses and malicious code, using signature-based detection to identify and neutralize threats. Additionally, antivirus tools may employ heuristic analysis to detect previously unknown viruses by examining code behaviors that are typical of malware. By continuously monitoring for these threats, antivirus software helps ensure that devices remain secure and reduces the risk of infection that could lead to data breaches or system failures. This proactive defense is essential in maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of information within organizations. Other options, while related to cybersecurity, focus on different aspects such as traffic monitoring, data storage, and access management rather than the specific function of identifying and eliminating malware.

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