With ransomware attacks on the rise, anti-virus and anti-malware software are essential parts of an IT network. Although people often use the terms interchangeably, these two types of software are not the same, and you should use them congruently. Malware is a broad term, and a virus is specific; a virus is a form of malware, but malware may not be a virus. Anti-virus software most effectively guards against classic attacks like worms and keyloggers, while anti-malware is more efficient at identifying new strains, such as zero-day malware. Here are some benefits to using these types of software in your network.

Why Use Both Anti-Virus & Anti-Malware Software?

1. Protection

Anti-malware software protects the network from cyberattacks, such as ransomware, denial-of-service (DoS), and zero-day. Ransomware freezes the system and restricts access until you pay a ransom. A DoS virus overloads bandwidth, debilitating the connection between the server and clients. Zero-day exploits a vulnerable area of code, giving developers no time to patch the vulnerability.

2. Cost Savings

Stacking commercial-grade anti-virus and anti-malware software may seem like an expensive venture; however, the cost of a successful cyberattack against a company is much higher. The city of Baltimore refused to pay a $76,000 ransom, which cost them $8.2 million in damages.

If you pay the ransom, the IT network engineers have to reset all the passwords, retrieve backups, and find the vulnerability—not to mention you lose money. The network goes down, you could lose customers, and the IT department gets paid overtime for an undetermined period.

3. Convenience

Anti-virus and anti-malware software updates business servers in real-time. As new viruses pop up, the company’s network is automatically protected. Up-to-date software downloads and network monitoring services provide alerts when viruses are found. Engineers can spend more time on the design and implementation of ongoing IT strategies instead of worrying about viruses.

If you’re looking for anti-virus options from a company you can trust, contact the experts at WheelHouse Solutions. For almost 20 years, this St. Charles, MO, team has served clients throughout the Midwest. Their special software is the new generation of IT network protection because it supplies automated self-healing, imaging, secure device wipes, and change management solutions. Call (314) 492-2506 today to find out how an automated repair and recovery backup system can protect your network from cyberattacks, and visit their website to learn more about their anti-virus solutions.