What method does anti-virus software use to detect new threats?

Anti-virus software uses file emulation and analysis as a method to detect new threats. This technique involves creating a controlled environment where suspicious files can be executed safely, enabling the software to observe their behavior without risking system integrity. During this emulation, the antivirus can analyze how a file interacts with the operating system and other applications, identifying malicious behaviors that are indicative of viruses or malware.

This approach is particularly effective against new and unknown threats that may not yet be included in the virus definition database. By analyzing the code and behavior of a file rather than relying solely on known virus signatures, the antivirus can detect emerging threats proactively, which helps in maintaining security against recent or sophisticated malicious software that could bypass standard detection methods.