Which of the following is a feature of antivirus software?

Antivirus software is designed primarily to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software (malware) from computer systems. One of the essential features that enhance its effectiveness is the use of vendor diversity for improved protection. This means that employing antivirus solutions from different vendors can help create layers of security that may cover vulnerabilities that one product alone might miss. This diversification mitigates the risk associated with relying on a single solution and helps improve the overall security posture against various types of malware from different threat vectors.

In contrast, encrypted communications, while an important security measure, are generally not a primary feature of antivirus software. Likewise, no antivirus program can guarantee the complete elimination of all malware due to the constantly evolving nature of threats. Enhanced hardware performance is also not a direct function of antivirus software; rather, antivirus programs can sometimes consume system resources, potentially leading to decreased performance during scans or updates. Hence, the focus on vendor diversity highlights the proactive approach of maximizing protection through varied security solutions.