Next-generation antivirus (NGAV) refers to a new generation of endpoint protection software that uses advanced techniques such as machine learning, behavioral analysis, and cloud-based threat intelligence to detect and prevent malware, ransomware, and other types of cyber threats.
NGAV systems typically use a combination of signature-based and signature-less detection methods to identify and block malware. Signature-based detection uses known patterns or "signatures" to identify known malware, while signature-less detection uses techniques such as machine learning and behavioural analysis to identify unknown or "zero-day" malware.