Antimalware vs Antivirus: What’s the difference?

Antimalware vs Antivirus: What’s the difference? Most people use the terms antivirus and antimalware interchangeably, and nowadays, security programs usually protect against both. However, there is a difference, and it is always handy to know what’s what when it comes to your security. In this guide, we explain the difference between viruses and malware, and why a reliable antivirus also protects against malware infections.

Antivirus software was originally designed to detect and remove viruses, which are a specific type of computer infection. Anti-malware software focuses not only on detecting viruses, but also newer cyber threats like spyware, Trojans, worms, ransomware, and adware.

Due to the evolving nature of malware threats, it is vital to use security software capable of scanning and removing both. The good news? All well-known antivirus brands (Norton, Avast, TotalAV, AVG, Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, and McAfee) scan for viruses and malware to give you the best cybersecurity protection.

Keep reading to learn about viruses and malware – and to remove any confusion about which one you should be using.

What is the difference between anti-virus and anti-malware?

In truth, there’s no real difference anymore. The term antivirus is simply an older name that has stuck around from a time when viruses were the main computer threat and now encompasses all forms of malware.

A virus is one specific type of malicious program capable of replicating itself to destroy your computer. It can spread from one device to others – whether through connected hardware (like USB drives), local networks, or the internet. However, Malware is the umbrella term for all nefarious computer programs, of which viruses are just one. 

The first antivirus was developed in 1987 by McAfee, called VirusScan. It was introduced to detect and remove the Brain virus, which was one of the first widespread computer viruses.

At that time, viruses were the only widely problematic threat to business and consumer computers, which is how the term antivirus was born. However, since then, hackers have developed an entire catalog of malicious programs, many of which are not viruses. This led to the introduction of the term malware (a portmanteau of “malicious” and “software”) in 1997.

Generally speaking, the term “malware” can be used to describe any computer program that is designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. Therefore, anti-malware is a catch-all term for software capable of removing many different kinds of computer and mobile device infections, including viruses.

But, despite the growing variety of computer infections circulating today, and the fact that anti-malware is the more technically accurate term, it is the original name that has stuck. This is why most people still refer to anti-malware programs simply as “antivirus.”

Can antivirus software detect and remove all malware?

Yes, as mentioned above, anti-virus has become something of a catch-all term for all anti-malware programs. Most antivirus developers now offer comprehensive anti-malware suites that use multiple detection methods to identify as many types of malware as possible. This means you can rely on most popular antivirus programs to detect and remove both viruses and malware effectively.

Wondering whether your antivirus is equipped to handle both? Use the table below to check whether your chosen antivirus software also functions as an anti-malware program.

Please note that the list above refers to the premium (paid) versions of each antivirus. Free editions or trial versions may be available, but they often lack essential features such as real-time scanning and heuristic analysis. Users who want maximum protection should always verify which version of the antivirus they’re using to ensure they have sufficient protection against modern cyber threats.

What are the best antivirus programs?

Here’s our top antivirus options: 

1. TotalAV: Best antivirus and VPN combo. TotalAV delivers strong protection with real-time malware scanning, phishing detection, and dark web monitoring for stolen data. Ideal for users who want simple and cost-effective malware scanning bundled with a VPN.
2. Norton 360: Excellent all-round protection. Norton 360 combines real-time malware defense, virus scanning, malicious website blocking, and breach alerts with extras like a VPN and password manager available with its top tiers.
3. Surfshark Antivirus: Bundles antivirus protection with a powerful VPN for advanced online privacy and security. It blocks malware, phishing, and trackers, and offers optional ID theft protection via LifeLock (US only).
4. Intego Antivirus: Best for Mac users. Intego is built specifically for macOS and iOS, offering fast malware detection, strong web protection, and minimal system impact – perfect for Apple users.
5. McAfee Total Protection: Great for individuals and families. McAfee protects against malware, phishing, and ID theft, with a built-in VPN and parental controls.
6. VIPRE Antivirus: Proven and affordable. VIPRE scores highly in independent lab tests for malware detection. It’s lightweight, reliable, and ideal for users who want robust virus and malware protection.
7. Bitdefender Internet Security: Reliable and feature-rich. Offers fast, accurate malware protection, ransomware defense, and webcam security in one sleek, dependable package.

Want to know more? See more alternatives and read reviews of all the top antivirus programs here.

Are there any standalone antimalware programs?

Yes and no. If you are looking for a standalone antimalware program that does not also scan for and remove viruses, your options are fairly limited. Most modern antivirus suites already include full malware protection, so the need for a separate antimalware tool has largely disappeared.

That said, there are still a few reputable, dedicated antimalware programs designed to work alongside traditional antivirus software for an added layer of security. Malwarebytes, for example, started as a standalone antimalware utility and remains popular for detecting spyware, adware, Trojans, and other modern threats that traditional antivirus tools might miss. However, both the free and paid versions of Malwarebytes now also scan for viruses, making it a comprehensive tool rather than a purely standalone option.

Another example is Emsisoft Emergency Kit, which provides on-demand scanning and removal for malware without interfering with your primary antivirus program. It’s a useful additional tool for anyone experiencing symptoms of infection when their antivirus reports nothing suspicious.

All things considered, standalone antimalware tools are best used as secondary scanners rather than your primary security layer. They serve as a helpful backup that can detect infections your main antivirus might overlook.

As long as you use a reputable antivirus with real-time protection, behavioral analysis, and an up-to-date malware definition library, you should not need to install any additional malware scanners on your device.

How does antivirus software work?

Modern antivirus tools employ a combination of signature-based detection and behavioral analysis (also known as heuristics) to identify malicious payloads. This allows them to detect well-known virus and malware signatures using a regularly updated library of definitions. They also offer real-time protection against zero-day attacks (new threats).

What is real-time scanning, and why is it important?

Real-time scanning is a crucial antivirus feature for anyone who uses the internet. It scans all incoming packets that pass through your firewall and blocks them if they contain any known malware signatures.

An antivirus with real-time protection is proactive rather than reactive because it prevents you from downloading or installing dangerous payloads in the first place.

This approach is far more reliable than relying on manual scans to find and remove infections after they’ve already taken hold. By the time a reactive scan detects a virus or malware, some system files may already be corrupted, or your data may have been stolen.

What is the difference between a firewall and an antivirus with real-time protection?

A firewall is your first line of defense and should always be used alongside a reliable antivirus or anti-malware program. Its job is to control what enters or leaves your network based on preset rules.

A firewall blocks or allows incoming connections before the data even reaches your antivirus. This makes it a crucial part of your perimeter security. With a properly configured firewall, you can stop threats from reaching your network or device before your antivirus’s real-time protection even activates.

In other words, real-time scanning only examines data that gets through your firewall (allowed connections). Anything the firewall rejects is dropped at the network perimeter and is never scanned by your antivirus.

How do modern antivirus programs protect against advanced threats?

The best antivirus programs use sandboxing to isolate and quarantine suspicious files before they can damage your computer or network. They also include scheduled scanning and layered security that combine traditional virus detection with advanced, AI-enhanced threat analysis. When paired with a VPN, these tools go even further – shielding your online traffic, blocking phishing attempts, and preventing rootkits from giving hackers control of your device.

Is an antivirus alone enough to protect my device?

No. It’s hugely important to pair a reliable antivirus suite with malware protection and other security practices and services. Only by implementing the following measures will you give yourself the best possible chance of protecting your computer or mobile devices.

• Use a reliable VPN. A VPN encrypts your data and hides your real IP address, keeping your online activity private.
• Stay alert. Awareness is key. In addition to keeping yourself educated about emerging threats and scams, it is important to use a modern antivirus tool with real-time protection, which warns you about dangerous websites, phishing, malware, and other emerging cyber threats in real time.
• Keep everything updated. Enable automatic updates to patch security flaws before attackers can exploit them.
• Check suspicious links. Use a link checker to spot phishing or fake websites before clicking.
• Back up your data. Regular backups protect you from ransomware and accidental data loss.
• Update your passwords. Change weak or reused passwords and store them in a password manager.
• Add extra security. Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible for stronger account protection.

What are the different types of malware?

Nowadays, there are dozens of malware variants, each designed to perform unique cyberattacks. Some spy on you and steal data, while others log your keystrokes to steal passwords. Friendlier payloads just serve ads to earn their controller ad revenue. Worms and viruses are still designed to damage files, while ransomware malware variants lock files up to force the user to pay a ransom.

Spyware is an extremely dangerous malware variant that can allow cybercriminals and hackers to engage in data theft, tracking, identity theft, device takeover, surveillance (listening or watching through device microphones and cameras), and potentially even physically following you. This makes spyware incredibly dangerous.

Antimalware vs Antivirus: FAQs