Anti-malware is software tools and programs designed to identify and prevent malicious software, or malware, from infecting computer systems or electronic devices. Anti-malware tools can also include malware removal capabilities. The phrase anti-malware can range from code integrated with other software programs or in the operating system itself to third-party tools that scan for and remove a wide variety of malware variants.
Also spelled as antimalware, anti-malware software is commonly thought of as software tools for desktops and laptops, but anti-malware tools also abound for servers, workstations and mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
Types of Malware Targeted by Anti-Malware Tools
Types of malware that anti-malware software typically protect systems from include viruses, Trojan horses, worms, spyware and keylogger programs, ransomware, rootkits, bootkits and even adware.
Anti-malware tools are often included with internet security suites for comprehensive protection of computer systems. These security suites typically include a firewall, parental controls, anti-spam and phishing email protection, web browsing protection and more in addition to anti-malware capabilities.
