Antivirus software has developed in concert with the dramatic advancements in the computing industry, including mobile platforms that benefit from robust antivirus apps. The evolution of AV software is best perceived in segments during specific phases of development. This approach allows analysts to better understand the threat/protection paradigms. As we progress from the early days, it is clear that antivirus software has evolved dramatically, from early detection to advanced prevention with the most potent antivirus app protection for both computers and mobile devices. Let’s take a look!
The Early Days
During the early days, signature-based detection was the norm. In the 1980s, the PC (personal computer) was introduced to the mass market. Alongside this, mobile devices eventually entered the market and brought with them a whole new set of challenges for antivirus apps. Viruses quickly appeared on the scene, targeting users with nefarious, invasive practices.
The early AV solutions focused intently on signature-based removal of these viruses. These signatures include characteristics of files or unique strings of data. However, this rather rudimentary antivirus protection was limited since continual updates to signature databases were required. The ever-present danger of zero-day threats, a.k.a. malware, went largely undetected by signature-based detection protocols. With no prior identification, there was no threat protection.
Heuristic Analysis – The Next Chapter
Since signature-based detection was a major Achilles heel of antivirus software, including those designed as antivirus apps for mobile devices, a new approach was adopted; this was known as heuristic analysis. The era of heuristic research spanned the 1990s through the early 2000s. Antivirus software was designed to identify suspect behavior or specific attributes in files.
This allowed more advanced detection in identifying unknown viruses or new variations of existing viruses. However, the limitations inherent in the heuristic analysis were primarily anchored in its many false positives.
The Era of Cloud Analysis
From the late 2000s onwards, cloud analysis became a dominant form of antivirus software protection. The Internet of Things (IoT) and the widespread connectivity through cable, broadband, and other advanced Internet systems facilitated cloud databases. No longer were mega databases stored on an individual computer; the software could not access the cloud for the latest viruses, malware, adware, and other threats.
Thanks to real-time threat management and assessment, cloud-based detection systems were a major step up for antivirus software. Another significant benefit was the removal of physical storage devices (hardware) required for the software to function optimally. The cloud took care of everything.
Sandboxing Kicks into High Gear
The idea of a sandbox had been toyed with for many years. This essentially allows a virtual environment to test suspicious files, offering an effective security layer in premium antivirus apps for mobile as well. It acts similar to a sandbox for playing around in, like those used by children and cats.
Top-tier antivirus software can prevent threat files from infecting real computer system, networks, and components if a malicious file is detected. Sandboxing thrives in the protection of its systems against zero-day threats. Since all threats are innocuous in a sandbox, this is a safe way to protect against malware.
The Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning AV Systems
Artificial intelligence has redefined the global Internet arena, including how antivirus software operates. This is especially true for antivirus apps on mobile devices that utilize machine learning algorithms for enhanced protection. This is coupled with machine learning algorithms which are highly effective at analyzing Big Data.
This advanced system is a powerful identifier of malware characteristics and patterns. With predictive analysis capabilities, AV software can now adopt a proactive approach to protection. Thanks to sophisticated algorithmic capabilities, vastly enhanced detection is possible, with fewer false positives.
Endpoint Detection Response & Integrated Cyber Security
End Point Detection & Response (EDR) antivirus solutions provide around-the-clock monitoring and responses to sophisticated threats. They are well-equipped to prevent malware and to provide a host of resources for investigating security breaches. EDR systems provide remediation for viruses in an organization’s network.
Integrated cybersecurity solutions are unified solutions identifying a wide range of interconnected threats in a modern computer environment. They provide a collaborative defensive platform for threat intelligence dissemination, with real-time sharing with users and systems.
Antivirus software has come a long way since the computing revolution in the 1980s, and so have mobiles apps for devices. The increasing sophistication of cyber security threats has warranted a parallel defensive network comprised of robust, up-to-date, and highly responsive AV software and apps. In the game of cat and mouse between viruses (cyber criminals) and antivirus software systems (cybersecurity,) only premium-quality responders and protectors survive, both in the realm of computers and mobile devices.
