CodeHS Cybersecurity Level 1 Certification Practice Test

The primary function of antivirus software is to detect, prevent, and remove malware. This software serves as a protective measure for computers and networks by identifying harmful software—such as viruses, worms, Trojans, and ransomware—that can compromise the security of a system. By continuously scanning for threats, antivirus software can intervene before malware has a chance to execute and cause harm, thus maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data and resources on a device. Its role is crucial in ensuring a user’s system remains healthy and secure from malicious attacks.

In contrast, other functions such as backing up files, enhancing system performance, or managing network traffic are not the primary goals of antivirus software. While those functions contribute to an overall healthy computing environment, they fall under different types of software tools or tasks, such as backup solutions, performance optimization tools, or network management systems.