What is the main function of an antivirus program?

The primary function of an antivirus program is to scan for and remove malware. This includes a variety of malicious software types such as viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Antivirus software actively monitors system files and network activity to detect and mitigate threats, often using a database of known malware signatures as well as heuristic analysis to identify new or unknown threats.

By removing malware, antivirus programs help protect user data, maintain system integrity, and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. The effectiveness of an antivirus program is crucial for ensuring the overall security of a computer system or network, as it serves as the first line of defense against cyber threats.