In security terms, what does 'antivirus' software refer to?

Antivirus software specifically refers to applications that are designed to detect, protect against, and remove malicious software, which includes viruses, worms, trojans, and other types of malware. The primary function of antivirus software is to scan files and systems for known malware signatures, monitor system behavior for suspicious activity, and provide real-time protection against threats.

This answer is accurate, as antivirus software plays a critical role in the cybersecurity ecosystem by ensuring that systems remain clean from malware that can compromise data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. In addition to detection and removal, antivirus solutions often provide additional features such as automatic updates to recognize new variants of malware, ensuring that users are protected against the latest threats.

In contrast, other options reflect different aspects of cybersecurity that do not align with the specific function of antivirus software. Software designed to protect against network intrusions focuses on preventing unauthorized access to network resources, while access control systems are related to the management of user permissions and authentication. Encryption software is aimed at protecting data confidentiality by rendering data unreadable without the appropriate key, which is a distinct function from that of antivirus software.