Security Software

Why Trust Techopedia

What Does Security Software Mean?

Security software is any type of software that secures and protects a computer, network or any computing-enabled device. It manages access control, provides data protection, secures the system against viruses and network/Internet based intrusions, and defends against other system-level security risks.

Advertisements

Techopedia Explains Security Software

Security software is a broad term that encompasses a suite of different types of software that deliver data and computer and network security in various forms. Security software can protect a computer from viruses, malware, unauthorized users and other security exploits originating from the Internet. Types of security software include anti-virus software, firewall software, network security software, Internet security software, malware/spamware removal and protection software, cryptographic software, and more.

In end-user computing environments, anti-virus and anti-spam software is the most common type of software used, whereas enterprise users add a firewall and intrusion detection system on top of it.

Advertisements

Related Terms

Margaret Rouse
Technology Specialist
Margaret Rouse
Technology Specialist

Margaret is an award-winning writer and educator known for her ability to explain complex technical topics to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles in the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret’s idea of ​​a fun day is to help IT and business professionals to learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.