What is the main difference between Threat Extraction and Threat Emulation?

Threat Extraction and Threat Emulation serve distinct purposes in the realm of security, particularly when it comes to handling potentially harmful files.

The primary function of Threat Extraction is to ensure that users can receive files quickly while removing any potential threats. By stripping away executable content and potentially malicious components from files, Threat Extraction allows the delivery of a safe version of the file, often within less than a second. This rapid processing is crucial for maintaining user productivity while still implementing security measures.

In contrast, Threat Emulation operates differently by running the file in a virtual environment to detect any malicious behavior without actually delivering the file. Since it analyzes the file for threats and requires time to assess its behavior in a sandboxed environment, it can often take longer to complete the analysis. This process may not lead to a file being delivered to the user until the assessment is concluded, potentially resulting in delays.

Thus, the chosen answer accurately highlights the behavior and efficiency of Threat Extraction in contrast to Threat Emulation, clarifying that Threat Extraction always delivers a file quickly while prioritizing security.