Which statement best describes the capabilities expected of anti-virus programs?

Which statement best describes the capabilities expected of anti-virus programs?

• A. Anti-virus programs are capable of detecting, removing, and protecting against all known types of malicious software.
• B. Anti-virus programs detect and remove all malware only.
• C. They only detect viruses.
• D. No updates are required.

Answer: (B)

Antivirus software is built to detect and remove malicious software from a system. That detection and removal are its core functions, helping to clean infections and prevent further damage. Realistic protections also include features like real-time monitoring and regular updates to keep up with new threats, but no program can guarantee protection against every single piece of malware or eliminate all risk. Among the options, the statement that antivirus programs detect and remove malware best matches what they are designed to do in practice, making it the most accurate description. The other statements overstate protection (claiming against all known types), understate scope (only detecting viruses), or ignore the need for ongoing updates.

Antivirus software is built to detect and remove malicious software from a system. That detection and removal are its core functions, helping to clean infections and prevent further damage. Realistic protections also include features like real-time monitoring and regular updates to keep up with new threats, but no program can guarantee protection against every single piece of malware or eliminate all risk. Among the options, the statement that antivirus programs detect and remove malware best matches what they are designed to do in practice, making it the most accurate description. The other statements overstate protection (claiming against all known types), understate scope (only detecting viruses), or ignore the need for ongoing updates.