Antimalware, also known as anti-malware, is a type of software program designed to protect information technology (IT) systems and computers from malware, which is short for malicious software
. Malware is software specifically designed to damage data or a computer system, and it can disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain unauthorized access to private computer systems
. Antimalware programs offer several benefits, including:
- Preventing users from visiting websites known for containing malware
- Preventing malware from spreading to other computers in a computer system
- Providing insight into the number of infections and the time required for their removal
- Providing insight into how the malware compromised the device or network
Antimalware works by using various techniques to scan, identify, and eliminate malware from an infected system or network
. Some of the methods used by antimalware programs include:
- Database scanning : Antimalware programs use a database of known malware definitions (also called signatures) to identify and remove known threats
- Heuristic analysis : This method allows antimalware programs to detect threats that were not previously discovered by comparing suspicious files to known malware
- Quarantining : When malware is detected, it is placed in a timeout, preventing it from causing harm and allowing manual removal without damaging the computer
Antimalware is essential for keeping computers malware-free and running an anti-malware program regularly can help protect personal computers from various cyber threats
. It is often used in conjunction with antivirus software, which provides reactive protection against established viruses
. Together, they offer complete and robust cybersecurity for individuals and businesses
