Which of the following is a key feature of heuristics detection methods in antivirus software?

Heuristic detection methods in antivirus software primarily focus on evaluating the behavior of applications rather than relying solely on identifying previously documented malware. This approach allows the software to identify potential threats based on their behavior and characteristics, even if the specific malware has not been seen before. For instance, if an application attempts to access system files or replicate itself in a way that resembles known malware behavior, the heuristic detection method can flag it as suspicious.

This proactive capability is crucial in combating new or unknown malware strains that may not yet have signature definitions available. Unlike signature-based detection, which only identifies known threats, heuristics provides dynamic analysis, giving the antivirus software a valuable tool in its arsenal to protect systems from emerging threats.