Antivirus software is a program designed to detect, prevent, and remove harmful software such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses from your computer.

What is antivirus?

Antivirus is a program designed to protect computer systems against malicious software – such as viruses, trojans, worms, or spyware. It automatically scans files, emails, websites, and other parts of the system. When it detects suspicious behavior or known malicious code, it alerts the user and blocks or removes the threat.

Where antivirus appears in practice

Examples of business applications:

• Automatically scanning email attachments that may contain harmful code.
• Checking USB drives plugged into company computers.
• Blocking access to websites known for spreading malware.
• Running regular system scans to detect new threats early.
• Alerting users to suspicious processes or applications running in the background.

In everyday business operations, antivirus software can catch attacks that would otherwise go unnoticed. While it isn’t a cure-all, it is a fundamental part of any cybersecurity strategy. It enables early response, minimizes damage, and helps protect valuable data.

How antivirus, antimalware and firewall?

• Antivirus vs. antimalware
  Antivirus was originally focused on viruses. Antimalware is a broader term that includes all types of malicious software – such as ransomware and spyware. Today, the terms are often used interchangeably.
• Antivirus vs. firewall
  Antivirus protects a system from the inside – it checks files and running processes. A firewall, on the other hand, monitors network traffic and blocks unauthorized access from the outside.
• Antivirus vs. EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)
  EDR goes further – it not only detects threats but also analyzes system behavior and enables faster responses to complex attacks.

These distinctions matter when selecting the right tools. Antivirus alone is not enough, but it is a vital foundation of any security policy.

How to protect your business from antivirus in your company

Recommended steps:

1. Choose a trusted and regularly updated antivirus solution
2. Ensure antivirus is installed on all devices (PCs, laptops, servers)
3. Enable automatic updates of the virus database
4. Schedule regular full-system scans
5. Use centralized management to monitor antivirus status across all devices
6. Regularly review antivirus alerts and reports
7. Combine with other security tools (e.g., firewall, antispam, EDR)

Many businesses treat antivirus as a “set-it-and-forget-it” tool. In reality, installing it is only the beginning – it needs to be actively managed. Without updates or monitoring, antivirus protection can silently fail. A properly configured antivirus solution can save a company significant costs associated with security incidents.