What is the purpose of antivirus software?

• A. To create software applications
• B. To detect and remove malware
• C. To optimize computer performance
• D. To back up data

Answer: (B)

The purpose of antivirus software is to detect and remove malware, which includes viruses, worms, Trojans, and other malicious programs that can harm a computer system or compromise data security. Antivirus software continuously scans files and programs on a computer to identify potentially harmful threats, isolating or removing them to protect the system from damage or data loss. This proactive approach helps ensure the integrity and safety of sensitive information and enhances overall system stability. By focusing on malware defense, antivirus software plays a crucial role in cybersecurity for both individual users and organizations.