Which of the following is considered a method of protecting against malware?

Regularly updating antivirus software is a vital method of protecting against malware because it ensures that the antivirus program has the latest definitions and capabilities to detect and respond to new and evolving threats. Malware is constantly being developed and modified, and if antivirus software is not kept up to date, it may not recognize newer forms of malware, thereby failing to provide adequate protection. Frequent updates enable the software to identify new viruses, spyware, and other types of malware, as they often contain improvements in detection algorithms, strategies for quarantining infected files, and enhanced performance measures.

The other options would compromise security rather than enhance it. For example, creating weak passwords can make accounts easily accessible to attackers, and disabling firewalls exposes the system to unauthorized access and cyber threats. Allowing all software installations without checks can lead to unintentional installation of harmful software, as it removes any safeguards that might prevent malicious applications from being installed on the system. Thus, regularly updating antivirus software stands out as a proactive and effective safeguard against malware threats.