What type of security software utilizes a large database of known virus signatures?
1. antivirus software
2. firewall
3. file protection
4. quarantine
1. antivirus software
The type of security software that utilizes a large database of known virus signatures is antivirus software. Here's how you can arrive at this answer:
1. Start by understanding the different types of security software options mentioned in the question: antivirus software, firewall, file protection, and quarantine.
2. Identify the role of each security software option:
- Firewall: A firewall is a security barrier that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.
- File protection: File protection software is designed to secure individual files or folders by encrypting or restricting access to them.
- Quarantine: Quarantine refers to the isolation of infected files or software to prevent them from causing harm.
3. Focus on the unique characteristic mentioned in the question: "utilizes a large database of known virus signatures."
4. Recognize that antivirus software is specifically designed to detect, prevent, and remove known viruses from computers. It does this by using a database of virus signatures, which are unique patterns that help identify malicious software.
5. Connect the characteristic of utilizing a large database of known virus signatures with antivirus software.
6. Verify that no other option listed in the question matches the characteristic mentioned.
7. Therefore, the correct answer is: antivirus software.