Anti-Malware: Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware

The term "malware" is the new catchall term to describe software designed to harm your computers, compromise your electronic data or trick you into giving out sensitive information. Anti-malware is any software or hardware designed to stop malware.

New threats can come along at any time so it is crucial that automatic updates are enabled for your operating system and security software.

Malware includes the following threats and more:

• Adware

  Similar to spyware but used primarily for advertisers to track users and present popup ads. Adware is usually disclosed and installed along with another application.

• Phishing

  Attempts to get visitors to enter sensitive information. Emails or websites can be designed so that they appear to come from a legitimate source.

• Rootkit

  Software that takes control of a computer by replacing operating system files or hiding from the operating system which makes removal very difficult. Common rootkits pose as your system's own virus protection and ask you to heal an infection which unwittingly installs the rootkit. Once infected, it can be faster and more foolproof to backup data and reinstall the operating system.

• Spyware

  Software designed to track your actions, hijack your web browser to take you to an unintended website or steal your information without your knowledge.

• Trojan Horse

  Software designed to track your actions or steal your information without your knowledge.

• Virus

  Software designed to harm or disrupt your computer or network and can spread to other computers.

• Worm

  Software designed to disrupt your computer, network or install a "back door" for unauthorized access. Can spread to other computers.

Considerations

• Network vs. PC-based

  Most anti-malware software is installed on each computer but there are options at the network level to help ensure that threats don't have the chance to reach computers. If your computer is mobile you will want to ensure that it is still protected when not connected to your network.

• Security Suite vs. Individual Software Applications

  Many security applications come bundled with a vast array of security utilities including anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, website filtering, email SPAM protection and even wireless security. You will need to evaluate your current security applications to decide whether it makes sense to implement a security suite or only an anti-virus/anti-spyware application.

  The following security measure don't directly address malware removal but they do act as preventative measures.

  • Email Host

    If you are using a hosted email service you may already have filtering for SPAM, malware and phishing.

  • Internet Service Provider (ISP)

    Your Internet service provider may do filtering for malware and inappropriate websites.

• Hardware vs. Software

  There are both hardware and software options that fit into the anti-malware category but for the sake of this guide we will be looking at software options. For example, a hardware option that may help fight malware is a firewall.

Key Features

• The primary features are to (1) check all programs upon installation, (2) periodically scan a computer for the following malware infections and (3) delete or quarantine the malware. The following malware items should be addressed.
• Adware
• Rootkit
• Spyware
• Trojan Horse
• Virus
• Worm

Implementation Options