Antispyware and antivirus software are both critical to your business’ well-being, and it’s recommended that you use both to protect your company. These toolse can help fill some of the inevitable gaps left by even the most advanced technology your business uses on a daily basis. Dedicated hackers with the right tools are one of the greatest threats your company may face today. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to prevent unwanted access to your systems and applications.
What is antivirus software?
Antivirus software was created to stop malicious viruses from infecting your computer. Common examples of these viruses are trojan horses, browser hijackers, and ransomware. These viruses are also known as “malware” because they infiltrate and damage your internal systems. Your computer will no longer operate properly if that happens.
What is antispyware?
Some viruses are designed to steal data or track user activity. These applications are known as “spyware.” Their intent is to gather information and send it to another entity for malicious purposes. That could mean compromising your security, stealing business information, or violating your privacy. “Antispyware” is software that detects and eliminates spyware.
Spyware vs. a software virus
Spyware is a type of malware, but its purpose is not to destroy your internal systems or disrupt business processes. It’s more subtle than that. Spyware can lie undetected in your computer for long periods of time while it gathers and sends data to another party. It’s common in the business world where inside information can translate into greater profitability.
Viruses are generally inserted into your computer to destroy or severely damage your existing software and/or operating system. The intent of a virus is purely malicious, making it a priority to detect and destroy them as quickly as possible. Some viruses can infect entire networks after being inserted into a single workstation. Firewalls may not protect you from that.
Most common types of spyware
Opening unfamiliar links and email attachments are well-known ways to get infected by a computer virus. Other methods are more insidious. For instance, accepting cookies on a website you’re visiting for the first time can allow that site to track your browser history. That could provide them damaging information if you are trying to be discreet.
Aside from tracking cookies, other examples of spyware are adware, infostealers, keyloggers, rootkits, red shell, system monitors, and trojans. That’s just what we’re facing today. As technology continues to improve, those who want to “hack” that technology will build better tools to do it with. Combating spyware needs to be a priority if you want to stay in business long-term.
Most common types of viruses
You might get a computer virus from visiting infected websites, opening spam email attachments, or downloading free games, toolbars, or browser extensions. These are designed to be appealing to the user, and many of them look legitimate. Some viruses, like boot sector and polymorphic, are embedded inside the code of software applications.
A good example of a computer virus is the “I Love You” virus that came out in the middle of the 2020 pandemic. It’s a worm spread by an email with the subject line “I Love You.” Opening that email and the attached “Love Note” infected over 10 million Windows users. Once inside your computer, it “loves” you by destroying the systems that run your machine.
How to avoid spyware and computer viruses
Here are the best ways to avoid spyware and computer viruses:
1. Don’t open suspicious emails
It’s important to be on high alert when you receive a suspicious email from an unknown sender, or one whose email address seems off. It’s even more important to never open attachments or links in suspicious emails.
2. Don’t accept cookies on unfamiliar websites
If you’re unfamiliar with a site or are browsing somewhere you don’t necessarily do regular business, it’s a good idea to avoid clicking on strange links or accepting cookies from that site.
3. Read reviews on security software before installing
Before deciding on which new software is best for your business, check out the reviews to make sure there isn’t a history of malicious attacks associated with the program.
4. Make sure you have antispyware and antivirus protection
Of course, the best way to avoid spyware and computer viruses is to install antispyware and antivirus software. Microsoft, Webroot, and McAfee are the leaders in antispyware. McAfee, AVG, and Trend Micro are the most popular software in the antivirus space. Some of these companies offer combination tools that can detect and eliminate spyware and viruses.
Educate your team about phishing scams
Your teams can learn to protect your computer systems by educating themselves about the different ways they can prevent malicious attacks. This article is a good start. You should also teach them about phishing scams that are designed to steal their personal information for identity fraud purposes. The more they know, the safer they and your company will be.
