This document provides guidance in the selection of security tools
for protection against computer viruses.
The strengths and limitations of various classes of
anti-virus tools are discussed, as well as suggestions of appropriate
applications for these tools. The technical guidance in this document
is intended to supplement the
guidance found in NIST Special Publication 500-166
This document concentrates on widely available tools and techniques as well as some emerging technologies. It provides general guidance for the selection of anti-virus tools, regardless of platform. However, some classes of tools, and most actual products, are only available for personal computers. Developers of anti-virus tools have focused on personal computers since these systems are currently at the greatest risk of infection.