What feature does signature detection in antivirus software rely on?

Signature detection in antivirus software relies on identifying known patterns of malware, which is fundamental to its operation. This method involves the use of a database of signatures, which are unique strings of data or characteristics that correspond to specific malware samples. When a file is scanned, the antivirus software compares it against this database. If a match is found, the software recognizes that the file is potentially harmful and can take appropriate actions, such as quarantine or deletion.

The reliance on known patterns allows for quick and efficient detection of previously identified threats, making signature-based detection one of the foundational techniques in antivirus software. It works effectively for the large volume of common viruses and malware that have known signatures, ensuring users are protected against these threats in a timely manner. This method does, however, have limitations concerning new or unknown malware variants that do not have established signatures, highlighting the importance of supplementary detection methods in comprehensive security strategies.