Which is the correct definition of an antivirus program?

An antivirus program is primarily designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, commonly referred to as malware, from computer systems. It operates by scanning files and programs for known malware signatures, heuristically analyzing code to identify potentially harmful behavior, and providing users with options to quarantine or delete these threats.

This definition emphasizes the core functionality of antivirus software, which is focused on protecting users from unwanted software that can compromise the security and integrity of the system. It plays a crucial role in cybersecurity by ensuring that any existing malware is eradicated and preventing future infections through various monitoring mechanisms.

Other options present different aspects of cybersecurity but do not accurately describe an antivirus program. For example, the second option pertains more to security information and event management (SIEM) solutions that analyze network alerts rather than the specific detection and removal capabilities of antivirus software. The third option deals with vulnerability scanning, which is a proactive assessment of software to identify security weaknesses rather than directly targeting malware. Lastly, the fourth option describes firewall rules, which are meant to control the flow of network traffic but are unrelated to the functions of antivirus programs. Therefore, the chosen definition effectively encapsulates the role and functionality of an antivirus software.