> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://rfc1918.gitbook.io/offsec/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://rfc1918.gitbook.io/offsec/defence-evasion/anti-virus-evasion/evasion-and-bypassing-detection-within-c/encryptors.md).

# Encryptors

## Overview

Encryption can be used as a technique to bypass antivirus (AV) detection because it can make the malware code or payload unreadable to the antivirus software. When malware is encrypted, it appears as a scrambled set of data that the AV software may not be able to recognize as malicious code.