Anti-virus Software: Preparing for Future Malware Threats

This paper is a technical report that discusses the challenges of defending against malware, specifically focusing on anti-virus software. It outlines the definition of malware and the various types of threats it encompasses, including viruses, Trojan horses, and worms. The report details the essential functions that effective anti-virus software must perform, such as detecting, preventing, and removing viral code while minimizing resource usage. It explains different detection techniques employed by anti-virus software, including signature scanning, integrity checking, activity blocking, and heuristic scanning. Each technique's advantages and limitations are discussed, particularly in relation to their effectiveness against evolving malware threats. The paper also addresses the importance of measuring the performance of anti-virus software before purchase, mentioning organizations like the International Computer Security Association (ICSA) that conduct tests and publish results on virus detection capabilities. Overall, the report serves as a comprehensive guide for understanding the role of anti-virus software in cybersecurity.