Aren't these, more or less, the same thing? Isn't malware something that an antivirus programme tries to keep off your computer in the first place? While the latter is correct, there are distinctions between an anti-malware programme and an antivirus app, which we'll discuss in this article.
The bottom line is that malware removal software provides a more targeted and specialised level of protection, whereas antivirus provides a more generalised level of protection with a wider variety of capabilities. Sometimes including extras that you might expect to only find in a more advanced internet security suite.
Anti-malware: targeted defence
In a nutshell, anti-malware software is designed to safeguard your device against malware. That's all there is to it.
They're designed to keep an eye out for brand new dangers - ones that have a better chance of eluding antivirus detection – and specialise in 'behavioural detection,' scanning for any odd activity and protecting against newer (and maybe more sophisticated) attacks.
They aren't, however, a one-trick pony. The finest anti-malware tools, such as our top selection Malwarebytes, are meant to safeguard your system against malware, keep an eye on it, and include features like browser protection.
Anti-malware software is also meant to detect malware that has already infiltrated your computer (perhaps successfully evading an antivirus).
If you suspect your PC has been infected with malware – perhaps it's become noticeably sluggish – you can instal malware removal software alongside an antivirus and have it scan for and remove the problem (using its laser-focused malware detection skills). Anti-malware acts as a second layer of security in addition to a typical antivirus programme in this way.
An antivirus should provide capable real-time malware protection, detecting threats using a library of (frequently updated) malware definitions, but it should also use heuristic analysis to provide users with behavioural detection, picking up on previously unknown pieces of harmful software. Anti-malware, on the other hand, focuses on this type of activity and anomaly.
Antivirus: all-around defence
Antivirus software provides a broader level of security for your computer. Let's start with a clarification: the term "antivirus" is a misnomer because it may lead some people to believe that the software simply protects against viruses, which are a sort of malware. In reality, antivirus software nowadays protects against all types of viruses.
Antivirus apps often include additional security features such as a secure browser (for online banking, for example), a password manager, or even some basic parental controls to keep your children safe online. They may also include a limited VPN. Some of those features can be really valuable, depending on your specific requirements.
How anti-malware tools different from antivirus?
To conclude, these two types of software have a lot in common, but the main distinction is that anti-malware provides particular, focused protection – as well as malware eradication – whereas antivirus protects your system more broadly.
That's because a good anti-malware programme like Malwarebytes is designed to work alongside an antivirus programme without conflicting, thereby providing you two layers of protection. A multi-layered security approach can certainly help the more cautious, as there's simply higher possibility that any given danger – particularly a new one – will be detected by an anti-malware product.
Doubling up in this area is absolutely a possibility worth considering, as it will provide your gadget with the most secure protection possible. In all circumstances, make sure you use a decent antivirus and a trustworthy anti-malware programme.
