The terms “anti-virus” and “anti-malware” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings:
Anti-Virus:
Specifically designed to detect and eliminate viruses, which are a type of malicious software that can replicate and spread to other files and systems.
Traditionally focuses on signature-based detection, which involves recognizing known virus patterns.
Anti-Malware:
A broader term that encompasses a variety of malicious software types, including viruses, spyware, adware, Trojans, worms, and ransomware.
Utilizes various detection methods, including behavior-based and heuristic analysis, to identify and remove different types of threats.
In summary, while all anti-virus software is a type of anti-malware, not all anti-malware is strictly anti-virus. Anti-malware programs offer more comprehensive protection against a wider range of threats.