){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
){kind=icon}
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Malware & Anti-Spyware Protection
Malware, or malicious software, is an umbrella term used to describe any software that is deliberately harmful to digital devices such as computers and smartphones. Though computer virus is often used in place of malware, a virus is specifically a type of virus that replicates itself to spread infection.
Antivirus software, despite its name, not only protects computers viruses but also provides spyware protection in general. The best spyware protection comes from antiviruses that go beyond just stopping spyware to offer blanket protection from all cyber threats.
The Many Varieties Of Malware & Spyware
The list of malware types continues to grow as technology develops which is why getting the right malware protection is so important. Malware can range from being relatively harmless, like popup adds that never stay closed, to downright scary, like using your computer to run illicit activities without your knowledge. While we can't list them all here there are some common varieties that you should look out for.
Viruses - As stated above a computer virus is a type of virus capable of self-replication. Much like biological viruses they hijack their host's systems to trick them into producing more viruses to spread.
Trojans - Like the Trojan horse, trojans trick users into downloading them be seeming to be legitimate software before executing their malicious code.
Spyware & Ransomware - Is a type of malware that's growing in popularity thanks to its revenue-generating capabilities. When a system is infected with ransomware control is given to hackers that can lockout uses or wipe whole systems clean unless a ransom is paid.
How Malware & Spyware Infects Your Device
Anytime your device connects to something outside of itself there's the potential for spyware to make its way inside. Every download, USB stick, or CD can potentially contain malicious code even if it comes from a legitimate source. If they don't know they're infected they won't know they are passing on malware.
The internet is a part of the modern age we couldn't do without, but it's also the easiest access point for spyware. Spam emails, shady websites, and hidden downloads are just some of the ways the internet provides pathways for spyware to reach you.
Thankfully combining good computer practices with the right malware and protection from a top antivirus provider can keep you safe.
How Does Malware Protection Work?
Malware comes in so many varieties it seems impossible that a single program can protect you. But just as the cybercriminals try their best to stay ahead of technology, malware protection developers are working tirelessly to combat them.
When antiviruses were first developed they were relatively simple and relied on catalogs of known viruses they could check software against. It's easy to see how that would leave systems vulnerable. One missed update to the database could spell disaster for whole networks.
The next step in spyware protection was the development of algorithms that looked not just at the code software but at the behavior of the software itself. Now antivirus had to power to watch for suspicious activity from even legitimate-looking software.
Today the latest advancement is combining spyware protection with the cloud. This has the benefit of never needing to wait for an update. As soon as the antivirus company learns of a new threat the protection is sent out to its users.
Choosing The Best Spyware Protection
Not all spyware protection is created equal. Antivirus software providers choose to priorities some features over others which leads to variation in protection and price. Thankfully finding the right anti-spyware protection is easy thanks to our ranking of the top providers.