We often encounter the word “anti-virus” and “anti-malware”.
While both are designed to detect, scan, and remove threats on your PC, laptop, or other devices, they are quite distinct from each other. By knowing their difference, we will know what tools we will use to keep our PC clean and safe.
A virus is a kind of malware whose objective is replication and spread while a malware refers to all kinds of unwanted or malicious code. The latter may include viruses, adware, Trojans, to name just a few. The former, on the other hand, is the popular term that is why most security companies have concentrated their marketing efforts on them.
Which Protects Your PC from Threats
There is a misconception that anti-malware tools will also protect their PC or devices from viruses and vice versa. According to Avast, viruses belong to the minority group when it comes to malware. They were quite popular in the 90’s when “antivirus” programs started to proliferate. Malwares like Trojans, Adwares, Worms, and PUP or Potentially Unwanted Programs are quite common. They usually target remote desktops, password revealers, and communication clients, among others.
Today, however, malwares have become tools used by online criminals for stealing personal data. The information can then be used to take money from the victim’s bank account. Most security tools are designed to scan and remove viruses and worms. Advanced forms of malware include key loggers, spyware, bots, and others.
On the other hand, free antivirus is designed to prevent virus containing files from getting into your computer. If the virus does make it to your desktop, antivirus software keeps the virus from getting activated. If the virus is not downloaded to your computer, your computer is safe from damage. However, there is still a need to contain or delete the infected file.
Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Working Together
There are many reasons why an infected file is able to get downloaded in a computer. Perhaps the user may have clicked a bad URL or opened a virus-carrying file attachment in an email. Although most antivirus programs have the basic tools to prevent viruses from damaging your computer, current malware programs specifically aims to remove malware in case they are not checked by the antivirus program.
Secure Your Computer with Antivirus and Anti Malware Programs
If you want improved security for your computers, investing on both antivirus and antimalware is the way to go. Yes, the former can detect and remove virus from your PC but the latter can help remove hidden malware from your system.
Malwares come in a variety of forms. It has the ability to hide the mechanisms that activates the virus. Worst, it can take away valuable personal information that you may have on your system. Malwares can inspect several locations and remove viruses to totally remove the threat.
Today, there is a plethora of free antivirus programs that can help protect your computers from any threat. But they may not have the ability to remove all viruses so you are better off adding anti-malware to your purchase.
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