Anti-Malware
Anti-malware is your digital immune system. It proactively detects, blocks, and removes viruses, ransomware, and spyware to keep data secure.
How does Anti-Malware Work?
Anti-malware uses three main methods:
- Signature-Based Detection: It compares files against a massive database of known "fingerprints" (signatures) of existing malware.
- Heuristic Analysis (Behavioral): This is the "brainy" part. It looks for suspicious behavior. If an unknown app suddenly tries to encrypt all your photos or record your screen, the anti-malware blocks it—even if it has never seen that specific program before.
- Sandboxing: It runs a suspicious file in a restricted, "virtual" environment to see what it does before letting it touch your actual operating system.
Antivirus vs. Anti-Malware: What's the Difference?
Historically, "Antivirus" focused on classic files and worms. Today, the terms are often used interchangeably, but Anti-malware is technically the "umbrella" term that includes:
- EPDR (Endpoint Protection, Detection, and Response) for businesses.
- Cloud-based scanning to keep your device's battery and CPU light.