antivirus
Antivirus is software designed to identify, neutralize and eliminate
malware (of which computer viruses1 are only one category). These can
be based on the exploitation of security vulnerabilities, but they can also
be software that modifies or deletes files, whether they are user
documents stored on the infected computer, or files necessary for the
proper functioning of the computer (most often those of the operating
system).
What are the different types of antivirus protection?
Several types of antivirus programs have evolved over the years. When
setting up your umbrella of protection, it’s important to understand the
more common antivirus programs available.
Malware signature antivirus
Malware, or malicious software, installs viruses and spyware on your
computer or device without your knowledge. Malware can steal your
login information, use your computer to send spam, crash your
computer system, and essentially give cybercriminals access to your
devices and the information stored on them, and even the ability to
monitor and control your online activity.
Malware signature antivirus software detects malware signatures, which
are digital fingerprints of malicious software. Antivirus protection can
scan for specific malicious codes, identify specific viruses, and disable
these programs.
While malware signature antivirus protection is key for detecting and
eradicating known viruses, one limitation is its inability to address new
viruses. The antivirus product simply doesn’t contain these new virus
signatures.
System monitoring antivirus
This is where system monitoring antivirus software comes into play. This
antivirus protection can monitor software and computer systems for
behavior that is suspect or atypical of the user.
For instance, alerts are created when a user connects to unfamiliar sites
or attempts to access a large number of files, or when there’s a
significant increase in data usage.
Machine learning antivirus
Another form of protection can be machine learning techniques, which
monitor “normal” computer or network behaviors. The machine
learning antivirus software is able to limit activities by programs or
computers if they look suspicious.
More specifically, machine learning detection implements algorithms to
facilitate malware detection that is broader in scope. This type of
antivirus protection is beneficial because it works in tandem with other
antivirus applications to provide multiple layers of protection.
One example of machine learning is the design of Microsoft’s latest
antivirus software, which can gather data from more than 400 million
computers running on Windows 10 to discover new malware. (Note: To
be clear, this is diagnostic data that a consumer can opt out of
reporting.) This, in turn, takes us back to the importance of signatures,
as this intelligence will allow for the development of new signatures for
the latest malware discovered. This automation is key in its ability to
stay on top of the latest viruses.
Below is a list of some anti-virus software in the computer world today.
1. Norton Utility (Norton Disk Doctor) NDD
2. SCAN 80
3. FLU SHOT antivirus
4. Central Point anti-virus (CPAV)
5. Solomon anti-virus
6. Checkpoint antivirus
7. Dr Panda antivirus
8. McAfee anti-virus scan
9. Avast antivirus
10. Penicillin
11. Symantec
12. Nod32
13. Disk tool
14. eScan
15. Avira antivirus
16. Kaspersky antivirus
17. AVG antivirus
18. Mac antivirus
19. Cloud antivirus
20. E-set antivirus
21. Internet security
22. Bit defender
23. Android antivirus
24. F-Secure antivirus
25. App Remover antivirus
26. Antivirus helix
27. Sophos enterprise security
28. Custodian antivirus