What is virus signature database?

What is antivirus signature database?

Anti-virus databases hold the data needed for a signature-based scanner to find and remove malicious code. The databases contain a series of virus signatures (or definitions), unique sequences of bytes specific to each piece of malicious code.

How does a virus signature work?

Alternatively known as a virus definition, a virus signature is the fingerprint of a virus. It is a set of unique data, or bits of code, that allow it to be identified. Antivirus software uses a virus signature to find a virus in a computer file system, allowing to detect, quarantine, and remove the virus.

What does virus database mean?

These databases contain details and signatures of all viruses and malicious programs for devices running Android known by Doctor Web experts. Virus databases have to be regularly updated as new malicious programs appear every day. The application features a special option for updating virus databases over the Internet.

What a virus signature looks like?

A virus signature is a continuous sequence of bytes that is common for a certain malware sample. That means it's contained within the malware or the infected file and not in unaffected files. Nowadays, signatures are far from sufficient to detect malicious files.