Revise Computingrevisecomputing.co.uk
At a glanceFeaturesStudentsPricingHow it worksFree GCSE notesExam dates
At a glanceFeaturesStudentsPricingHow it worksFree GCSE notesExam dates

Knowledge organisers / Identifying and preventing vulnerabilities

Common prevention methods: Anti-malware software

All topicsPractise exam questions
Knowledge organiser

Identifying and preventing vulnerabilities

1.4.2a.ii

What you need to know

Anti-malware software scans files and programs for known malware by comparing them to a database of malware signatures. It can detect, quarantine, and remove malicious software.

Key points

  • Definition:Anti-Malware Software: software that scans for and removes malware by comparing files to a database of known malware signatures.
  • When malware is detected, the software alerts the user and offers actions: quarantine (isolate) or delete the malware.
  • Can also block malware from being downloaded in the first place.
  • Must be kept up to date — new malware is constantly being created, so the signature database needs regular updates.
  • Exam Tip:Anti-malware software only protects against MALWARE (viruses, trojans, spyware). It does NOT protect against social engineering, brute-force, or DoS attacks.