What is Avast Antivirus and how does it work?

Avast Antivirus is a cybersecurity software that provides protection against a wide array of online threats such as viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. It works by scanning the user's computer and incoming files for malicious software using a database of known virus definitions along with advanced detection techniques like heuristics and artificial intelligence to identify new or unknown threats. When it detects a threat, Avast can block or remove the malicious file, isolate it in a secure 'sandbox' environment where it cannot harm the system, or warn the user about potentially dangerous websites or downloads. The software also often includes additional features like a firewall, secure browsing tools, and system optimization utilities to enhance overall security and device performance. Regular updates are delivered to ensure protection remains effective against evolving cyber threats.