Before you begin to consider the concept of "heuristic analysis", you need to understand what the word "heuristic" means. To do this, we need to return to history, namely to Ancient Greece. The word "heuristic" comes from the word "find", translated from Greek. The main essence of all heuristic methods is that all solutions to any problems, according to these methods, are based on assumptions that may be true.
They are not characterized by the use of strict facts or premises.
The above sounds rather vague and probably incomprehensible. Therefore, we will try to understand what heuristic analysis is with specific examples. So.
There are a large number of viruses on the Internet, which have very similar properties. Thus, modern antivirus programs look for files whose signatures are very similar to the malware code. This can significantly reduce the amount of databases used to search for viruses. Using heuristic analysis, antivirus manufacturers significantly save the resources of computers on which their software is installed. It is also possible to find new viruses even before the signatures are updated.
The following example also relates to the fight against viruses. Its logic lies in the very name “malware.” With this approach, an assumption is made that all viruses cause harm to the computer in one way or another . There is an approximate list of actions that heuristic analysis checks before making a decision. This is writing, deleting, writing to the system registry, reading clicks, opening ports, spamming. Naturally, when one action is performed, this is not a cause for panic, but when they pass simultaneously and at a particularly fast pace, there is reason to think. The main advantage of this process is the ability to detect viruses, even if they are not similar to the signatures already in the database.
Another industry that uses heuristic analysis is economics. Moreover, its use is very wide. Economic analysis is one of many sub-sectors where the application of the above methods is of great help. At its core, it is a detailed and comprehensive study. It is based on information from various sources that are available. Many internal aspects of the functioning of a particular organization are also evaluated. Carrying out these actions is aimed at improving the work, which is achieved by the implementation and development of new optimal management decisions.
The widespread use of heuristic methods can significantly simplify decision-making processes, as well as eliminating a variety of problems that can be eliminated by applying statistical data. This can significantly save resources and time. The experience gained earlier can be safely used in the daily activities of the organization.