Most of us have an antivirus suite installed, but you might’ve heard about antimalware too. So what actually are they? And which do you need?
Many of us have antivirus programs installed on our computers and smartphones, but is this the same as antimalware? How do these two software programs work, and do you need one or both to protect your devices?
While they are often mentioned in conjunction with each other, viruses and malware are not the same thing. While viruses are a kind of malware, the word "malware" is a blanket term for all malicious programs—literally a portmanteau of the words, "malicious" and "software"—including spyware, ransomware, Trojan horses, and other dangerous code.
In literal terms, "antivirus" sounds like something that fends off viruses and viruses alone. And historically, that was true. Antivirus programs did, indeed, start as computer virus removers.
But the majority of so-called antivirus programs you'll see today do a lot more than this. You can now find antivirus programs that fend off viruses, ransomware, and spyware, provide free VPNs, and offer parental controls. In short, antivirus is no longer just anti-virus.
Popular antivirus programs out there today include those produced by McAfee, Bitdefender, Norton, and Kapersky. You may already have one of these installed on your computer, or another antivirus client. But don't sweat. You're not only protected from viruses here. Modern antivirus software can protect you in a myriad of ways, with some programs having a successful detection rate of over 99 percent.
But this doesn't mean antimalware is futile across the board. There are benefits this kind of software can offer you that antivirus simply cannot.
You may not have heard of the term "antimalware" before, as it's not very mainstream. But antimalware (sometimes "anti-malware") can prove invaluable for your cybersecurity in some cases.
In a nutshell, antimalware programs are more geared towards fending off more advanced and sophisticated kinds of malware, while antivirus programs are more of an all-round tool for improving your digital safety. Newer kinds of malware can also be effectively removed by antimalware programs.
As antivirus programs have edged further into the antimalware realm, the line between the two kinds of software continues to blur.
Above all else, it's key to remember than antimalware software shouldn't be used as a replacement for antivirus. Rather, antimalware should be supplementary to antivirus. But do you really need both?
It's always good to have an antivirus program installed as your security baseline. If you're a typical internet user and don't do anything ill-advised or risky online, you should be good to go with modern antivirus software alone.
However, if your cybersecurity is a top priority for you, it may be worth considering installing a reputable antimalware program. This will give you that extra layer of protection on top of your antivirus software, making your devices even harder to exploit.
An antimalware program alongside an antivirus suite may cost you a pretty penny. So, if you're looking to stay under a strict budget, having both programs installed at the same time may not suit you. Free antivirus and antimalware programs certainly exist, but can come with frustrating drawbacks, such as pop-up ads, lackluster features, and even unauthorized data collection. So, you'll need to ensure you're using a well-reviewed product before going ahead with installation.
It's very important to have a trusted antivirus client installed on your devices, as this software can detect, quarantine, and remove suspicious and dangerous files. Modern antivirus programs also offer a slew of additional features that can also protect you, especially when online.
If you're particularly concerned about your digital safety or tend to visit riskier sites, having an antimalware program alongside your antivirus could be beneficial. Just remember not to substitute the latter for the former.
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Katie has been writing about tech-based topics for two years, with a specific interest in cybersecurity, AI, and cryptocurrency. Katie has covered a variety of topics during her time at MUO, including crypto explainers, cybersecurity guides, VPN reviews, recent hacks, and software tutorials. With a passion for emerging tech, Katie is also excited to see what new devices and digital platforms the coming years will bring.
