What is the primary purpose of the "Antivirus" feature in Palo Alto Networks?

The primary purpose of the "Antivirus" feature in Palo Alto Networks is to detect and block malicious files. This feature is integral to the overall security posture of a network, as it specifically targets malware and other harmful files that can compromise systems and data. By employing signature-based detection, heuristic analysis, and other methods, the antivirus function proactively identifies and neutralizes threats before they can execute and cause damage. This capability is crucial for preventing security breaches and ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data.

The other options do not encapsulate the specific function of the Antivirus feature. For instance, backing up user data is a function associated with data management rather than threat detection. Preventing unauthorized access typically falls under access control and firewall functionalities rather than specific antivirus measures. Enhancing network speed might involve optimization or performance tuning features, which do not relate to the Antivirus functionality. Thus, the focus of the Antivirus feature is distinct and clearly aimed at safeguarding the network from malicious threats.