Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

What does antivirus software primarily protect against?

1. Spyware

2. Phishing

3. Viruses

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Antivirus software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, commonly referred to as malware, which includes a variety of threats such as viruses, spyware, and phishing attacks. Primarily, antivirus software focuses on identifying and mitigating risks associated with viruses, which are types of malware that can replicate and spread across systems, potentially causing significant damage or data loss. Therefore, this foundational capability of recognizing and neutralizing viruses is a core function of antivirus protection. Additionally, many antivirus solutions have evolved to include features that address other forms of malicious activity. This includes spyware, which is software that can gather sensitive information from a user's device without their consent. Spyware can track user behavior and collect personal data, which antivirus programs are increasingly equipped to detect and block to provide enhanced protection. Phishing, while often considered an attack vector rather than a type of malware, can lead to malware infections if users are tricked into downloading malicious content. Some antivirus solutions incorporate features to protect against phishing by scanning websites and emails for suspicious content, helping to inform users about potential risks. Thus, since antivirus software has expanded its role to offer protection against a broad spectrum of threats, including viruses, spyware, and phishing, it is appropriate to conclude that these tools offer