Which approach is used to mitigate the introduction of malicious code?

The use of antivirus software directly addresses the mitigation of the introduction of malicious code. Antivirus programs are designed to detect, prevent, and remove malware from computer systems and networks. They work by scanning files and processes for known signatures of malicious code, behaviors that are indicative of malware, and anomalies in system activities. By regularly updating their databases with new virus definitions, antivirus software can provide ongoing protection against emerging threats, ensuring that systems remain secure from a wide range of malicious attacks.

While other options, such as restricting physical access, security patching, and multi-factor authentication, contribute to overall security and can help reduce the risk of malicious code introduction, they do not specifically target the detection and prevention of malware. Restricting physical access helps protect against unauthorized personnel, security patching addresses vulnerabilities within software, and multi-factor authentication enhances security by requiring multiple verification methods for access. However, none of these directly function to detect or eliminate malicious code as effectively as antivirus software does.