Anti-Virus software checks a system for known viruses by looking for particular sequences in code that most viruses have in common, known as a...

Break Down the Problem

1. Definition: Identify the specific term in computer security that refers to the sequences of code used by anti-virus software to detect viruses.
2. Context: Understand how this concept fits within the broader framework of anti-virus functionality.

Relevant Concepts

1. Signature-Based Detection: Anti-virus software primarily uses a method known as signature-based detection, in which it compares files against a database of known virus signatures. These signatures are specific patterns or strings of data that are characteristic of known malware.

Analysis and Detail

1. Signature Explanation: A virus signature is a unique string of bytes or a specific sequence of code that corresponds to a known virus. When the anti-virus software scans a file or system, it looks for these signatures to determine if a file is malicious. The effectiveness of this method depends on the database being up-to-date, as new viruses are continuously created.

2. Limitations: Signature-based detection is effective for known threats but does not protect against new or polymorphic viruses that may not have recognizable signatures or that change their code frequently to evade detection.

Verify and Summarize

• The term you are looking for is Virus Signature. It’s a crucial element in anti-virus software that helps in the identification and eradication of malware by comparing files to known patterns of virus code.

Final Answer

The specific term is Virus Signature. Ant-virus software detects known viruses by looking for particular sequences in code, referred to as virus signatures.