Antivirus & Antimalware- “Do I need both?”

 

Antivirus & Antimalware

“Do I need both?”

Long before AI, when you could choose the color of your Mac to match your bedroom, computer viruses were simple. Threat detection was as easy as finding a "creeper system" within a line of code. Today, the original profile of a virus is almost out of date, while the most dangerous forms of malware have taken center stage. While a virus is a type of malware, not all types of malware are viruses, and some are more dangerous than others. So what is the difference between Antivirus Software and antimalware software?

Cybersecurity companies originally gained popularity with tried and true “antivirus” software for the detection of one-size-fits-all viruses. But as threats advanced, many companies kept the original name "antivirus", often while expanding threat detection capabilities. Basically, you can find antimalware tools in some antivirus programs, but not all. Malware removal tools and antivirus software are complementary to each other and can work together for maximum security on your device.

Viruses vs. Malware

A computer virus spreads from one user to another by replicating itself through the programming of a file. Antivirus works to identify known threats using signature-based detection. This type of detection matches file signatures against a known malware database. In contrast, antimalware uses heuristic-based detection to proactively find source codes that indicate a threat.

Is antimalware the same as antivirus?

Both antivirus and antimalware were created to detect and protect against malicious software. While the term antivirus denotes that it only protects against computer viruses, its characteristics often protect against the many common forms of malware today. Antimalware goes one step further and focuses on broader and more advanced software threats. To understand the matter, we will refer to antivirus software on the assumption that it has not been updated for malware detection and protection.

Antimalware and antivirus are not the same. They complement each other to act as the highest level of defense against malicious software, along with healthy online habits. Antimalware detects more advanced forms of malware, such as zero-day attacks, while antivirus software defends against more established traditional threats.

What does antivirus mean?

Basic antivirus software scans your device for known viruses. Generally, the free antivirus offers only the minimum layer of protection against classic viruses like Keyloggers and worms, while the premium versions will protect against more advanced threats and even have malware removal tools.

What is antimalware software?

Cyber ​​threats are constantly evolving. While antivirus software can protect against common types of viruses, antimalware software works to detect new iterations of infections. Anti-malware software defends against second-generation malware that classic anti-virus software doesn't always detect.

What should your Antivirus Software include?

Key indicators of comprehensive antivirus software include:

·     Real-time scanning: Background scanning means that the program will detect threats as it finds them.

·         Automatic updates - Updates target any new forms of malware from installation.

·         Remove threats - Your software should remove malware, not just detect and block it.

What to look for in antimalware software

Whether you find standalone antimalware software or purchase an antivirus with additional capabilities, look for a program with the following:

·     Sandboxing: This controlled environment allows the software to test suspicious threats and determine whether or not they are safe to use.

·      Traffic filtering: This type of filtering protects your device by blocking access to suspicious sites and servers involved with the distribution of malware.

·      Proactive Security - Your software must scan, detect, and remove known malware threats like Trojans, adware, and spyware.

Do you need antivirus and antimalware?

It seems that antivirus is the lesser of the two security programs, so why would you need both?

Antimalware targets new threats, while antivirus keeps you protected against traditional versions, such as worms and phishing attacks that can still harm your device. The two complement each other, with antimalware designed to complement antivirus protection as the cyber threat landscape grows more sophisticated.

Think of antivirus as proactive protection against threats that infect your device while antimalware takes root and destroys activated malware. Having both applications maximizes protection against the growing threat of malware attacks.

As cyber attacks become more prevalent and intelligent by nature, antimalware adapts and protects. However, this does not limit the need for virus protection. With both programs running simultaneously, as well as safe web browsing habits, you will be as protected as possible against threats trying to infiltrate your device.