Which type of software is specifically designed to combat malware?

Antivirus software is specifically designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, commonly known as malware. This type of software typically employs various techniques, such as signature-based detection, heuristics, and behavior monitoring, to identify harmful files or actions performed by malware on a system. By continuously scanning for known threats and monitoring for suspicious activities, antivirus software plays a crucial role in protecting systems and data from the damaging effects of viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and other forms of malware.

The other types of software mentioned serve different purposes. Firewall software, for instance, is focused on controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, essentially creating a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks. Data recovery software is designed to restore lost or deleted files, ensuring that essential data can be retrieved following an accidental loss or corruption. Utility software encompasses a broad range of tools aimed at managing and optimizing computer resources, but it does not specifically target malware.