What is a virus signature file used for?

A virus signature file is essential in cybersecurity as it serves to identify infected files by comparing specific patterns or signatures associated with known malware. Each piece of malware has unique characteristics or code snippets, often referred to as signatures, that can be detected by antivirus software. When an antivirus program scans a file, it matches the file's content against its virus signature database to determine if the file is potentially harmful.

Using virus signature files allows for effective and efficient detection of previously cataloged malware, enabling proactive cybersecurity measures to be taken. This process is vital in maintaining the integrity of systems by preventing infected files from executing or spreading. Other choices do not align with the function of a virus signature file, as they either deal with unrelated areas of technology or do not pertain to malware detection and prevention.