Which of the following describes the behavior of heuristic-based software systems?

Heuristic-based software systems are designed to evaluate current behavior by comparing it against past observed behavior. This approach leverages algorithms and rules to analyze patterns and identify potential threats by assessing the similarities and differences regarding previously noted activities. By doing so, they can effectively identify anomalies that deviate from normal patterns, which is crucial for detecting new or unknown threats that signature-based systems might miss.

In contrast to relying solely on established signatures of known threats (which is characteristic of traditional antivirus solutions), heuristic systems adaptively analyze data and behaviors, making them more effective in catching new malware variants. However, this does not mean they cannot learn and adapt based on user behavior; rather, their core strength lies in identifying behaviors that are indicative of malicious activity, rather than learning individual user habits per se. Hence, focusing on past behavior patterns enables these systems to proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with new types of malware or attacks.