Today’s Cybersecurity tip is: use anti-virus and anti-malware
Adding another layer of security is installing an anti-virus AND an anti-malware program on your computer AND your phone. Macs, Windows, iPhones, Androids … all of them are potentially vulnerable. Also, no single anti-virus program can catch everything, but something is better than nothing. Plus, there are so many free options available, it’s almost sinful not to install one.
So, what’s the difference between anti-virus and anti-malware? A Virus is a specific type of malware designed to spread (like a biological virus). Malware is the general term for anything bad that gets installed on your device (spyware, adware, viruses, trojans, etc.). You’re probably asking why you would need two programs installed if anti-malware includes anti-virus capabilities. There are two reasons …
First, no single provider can catch everything. Every provider of anti-virus or anti-malware software handles scanning and detection in a different way. By having two different pieces of software installed, you’re adding another layer of protection.
Second, anti-virus tools typically run all the time, scanning files and your computer on a regular basis. Anti-malware tools typically run on-demand, when you want to check something specific.
So, do yourself a favor and find a decent anti-virus and anti-malware program. I currently use AVG for Anti-virus (for Windows and Android) and Malwarebytes for anti-malware. There are plenty of both anti-virus and anti-malware options available though.
See you tomorrow!