Cybersecurity threats and countermeasures have evolved in the last three decades, becoming more complex and deadly. The industry, on the other hand, has strived for simplicity when communicating with its consumers. This is why, in many cases, terminologies such as viruses are popular and computer viruses are regarded as the biggest threat to computer security and malware is still interchangeably with viruses.
Difference between malware and virus
In reality, malware and viruses have their own differences. By definition, a virus is a piece of code that is able to copy itself inside a computer system or a network with an aim to destroy, compromise or damage your data.
On the other hand, malware is software designed to disrupt, gain unauthorized access to a computer system or a network and damage data in a computer system.
Malware encompasses different types of malicious software such as bugs, worms, viruses, Trojans, ransomware, adware, bots and spyware. By this definition of malware, it becomes clear that all viruses are malware but not all malware are viruses.
Difference between antivirus and anti-malware
The other confusing question that comes to mind for novice cybersecurity enthusiasts is the difference between antivirus and anti-malware.
To understand the differences between antivirus and anti-malware, we have to go back to the 1990s when the field of cybersecurity was still in its infancy. The number one computer threat during that time was viruses. These viruses were notorious for causing much of the computer-related havoc of the 1990s and 2000s.
To counter the cyber threats, countermeasures were created, and rather than having different names for the countermeasures, the agreed term for most people in the cybersecurity industry was antivirus software programs.
Antivirus software relied on databases with all the known threats, and once a virus was detected, these programs would go into action and neutralize the threats.
Fast forward to today, and most companies that dealt with the threat of computer viruses and created anti-viruses still have antivirus software in the markets. However, the types of cybersecurity threats have evolved and most of the major attacks today are through malware programs.
Therefore, recent antivirus software are also anti-malware programs and are designed to protect computer systems and networks from both malware and viruses. Anti-malware software are also designed to fight both viruses and malware and the only difference between the two is that anti-malware is a more modern name that encompasses all kinds of malicious software, including viruses.
Anti-malware software to protect you in 2021
Now that we have looked at the differences between antivirus and malware, here are some of the best antivirus and anti-malware software that you should consider installing in your computer system in 2021:
Lucca Veterinary Cyber Security
The Lucca Veterinary Cyber Security uses our custom definition list to help your day to day applications run without any hick-ups. Your practice management system, radiology applications, client reminders & internal and external labs just to name a few.
The Lucca Veterinary Cyber Security also leverages AI based database engines. Thus as soon as a new malware is found and added to the list; our centralized cyber security console immediately updates your hospital workstations. Keeping you protected in real time.
Our Lucca Veterinary Cyber Security also uses machine learning to build a model for each workstation in the hospital to which it’s deployed. It then understands what a normal day looks like. As soon as something gets out of line it immediately raises a red flag to our team to review. It at that point also stops the malware in question from being able to communication to other workstations within the hospital.
Kaspersky Total Security
Kaspersky has been a major player in the antivirus industry. Since 2006, Kaspersky Lab has been at the forefront of cybersecurity antivirus software. The software comes with functionalities such as anti-theft, backup software, firewall, webcam protection, Wi-Fi scanner and virtual keyboard protection.
Kaspersky’s Windows products also have a good record in detection and stopping of modern malware programs. It also comes with dedicated ransomware protection that ensures that your data is always safe.
Another advantage that makes Kaspersky one of the best antivirus programs is that it comes installed with a VPN client that kicks in once it detects that a computer system is using public Wi-Fi.
Norton 360 Deluxe
Unlike Kaspersky, the software does not come with an anti-theft functionality. However, it has other functionalities such as backups, always activated when playing video games, has webcam protection, a password manager and has parental controls.
It is also very effective in malware protection that ensures that your computer has 24/7 protection against any modern threats that you are exposed to. Purchasing the premium version also ensures that you get up to 50 GB of online storage space for your backups.
Parental controls are also an effective feature in this antivirus that ensures that your children are also protected while using the internet.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
This software has one of, if not the best, malware protection in the industry. It also comes with an unlimited password manager, ransomware rollbacks and Wi-Fi scanner protection.
Parental controls are also available, which helps parents better protect their children on the internet.
Getting a Bitdefender premium Premium Security also ensures that you enjoy unlimited VPN usage and priority technical support.
McAfee Internet Security
McAffee has been in the industry for many years, and in the past few years, it has improved greatly. Although it is not among the top-of-the-line antivirus software that are available, It is still an effective product that comes with a firewall, protection when playing video games, ransomware rollbacks and a password manager.
Its password manager is also regarded as one of the best in the industry. It also has parental controls which are available for McAfee Total Protection subscribers. It also comes with unlimited VPN services.
Avira Antivirus Pro
It has functionalities such as dedicated anti-ransomware, offers protection against credit card theft and assures shoppers of greater protection from fraudulent sites and thieves. It also comes with email phishing protection and it is also one of the cheapest antivirus solutions in the market.
Need help deploying the right cyber security to your hospital?
Contact us at www.lucca.vet to schedule your free cyber security consultation today!