What function does gateway antivirus serve in a network?

Gateway antivirus serves a critical function in network security by scanning files for viruses specifically in email and web traffic. This proactive approach helps in identifying and mitigating potential threats before they can enter the internal network, which is crucial since many malware attacks occur through these channels. By analyzing incoming files and data packets for malicious content or behaviors, gateway antivirus acts as a protective barrier, ensuring that harmful software does not reach the end users or devices on the network.

In a network environment, emails and web downloads are often initial vectors for malicious attacks, making it essential to have a dedicated solution that inspects this traffic. By effectively scanning for viruses in real-time, the gateway antivirus enhances overall network security and reduces the risk of infections or data breaches.

The other options describe different aspects of network security but do not specifically address the primary function of gateway antivirus. Monitoring active connections relates more to network management and performance, preventing unauthorized access focuses on access controls and authentication mechanisms, and applying rules to HTTP traffic pertains to functionality typically associated with firewalls or web filtering systems rather than antivirus specifically.