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Difference between Antivirus and Internet Security
Both Internet Security and Antivirus are the techniques that are being used to protect the user from malicious programs by blocking and removing them specifically when the user interacts with external resources.
An Antivirus could be defined as an application or software which provides security from the malicious software specifically coming from the Internet. In contrast, Internet Security is a term that is used for a wide range of issues; we can think of it as a collection of Apps designed to protect users from online threats.
In this article, we will take a look at the different features of an Antivirus and how it differs from Internet Security in general.
What is an Antivirus?
An Antivirus software is a program that scans a computer for viruses, worms, and other malware and identifies, stops, and eliminates them. Most antivirus software includes an auto-update feature to download updated virus profiles and check for new threats. Any computer should have antivirus software, but choosing the appropriate one is critical. One antivirus program may detect a virus or worm that another does not, or vice versa.
An Antivirus software scans a computer's hard drive and external media for any potential viruses or worms. In general, there are two main ways to viral detection −
Dictionary Approach − When antivirus software scans a file, it automatically consults a virus dictionary. The file is removed, quarantined, or repaired if there is a match.
Suspicious Behaviour Approach − Anti-virus software analyses all program behavior and flags any suspicious activity. An application may be reported if it tries to change operating system settings or write to a specific directory.
Basic Functions of an Antivirus Software
All antivirus software perform these three basic functions. It is important to have a look at these functions because it will help us for better manual cleaning of viruses in case we need.
Scanning - When a new virus is detected in the cyberspace, antivirus producers start writing programs (updates) that scans for similar signature strings.
Integrity Checking - This method generally checks for manipulated files in OS from the viruses.
Interception - This method is used to basically detect Trojans and it checks the request made by the operating system for network access.
What is Internet Security?
Internet security is a word for a wide range of issues starting from browser security, online transactions, data entered through a Web form, and the overall authentication and protection of data received via Internet Protocol.
For protecting data communicated over the Internet, Internet security relies on specialized resources and standards. Various types of encryptions, such as Pretty Good Privacy, are included (PGP). Firewalls, which block undesirable traffic, and anti-malware, antispyware, and antivirus tools monitor Internet traffic for malicious attachments from specified networks or devices, are also part of a secure Web setup.
Internet security refers to securing communication over the internet. It includes specific security protocols such as Internet Security Protocol (IPSec) and Secure Socket Layer (SSL).
IPSec - It consists of a set of protocols designed by Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). It provides security at network level and helps to create authenticated and confidential packets for IP layer.
SSL - It is a security protocol developed by Netscape Communications Corporation. It provides security at transport layer. It addresses security issues such as Privacy, Integrity, and Authentication.
Comparison between Antivirus and Internet Security
The following table highlights the important differences between Antivirus and Internet Security.
| Key | Antivirus | Internet Security |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | An Antivirus could be defined as an application or software which provides security from the malicious software specifically coming from the Internet. | Internet Security, on the other hand, is a broader term which has the antivirus feature as well as some other features. It mainly deals with protection and privacy against viruses, phishing, spyware, internet threats and cyber-attacks. |
| Firewall | Antivirus does not include firewall in its specifications. | Internet Security does include firewall. |
| Cost efficient | Antivirus software have both paid and free services, so they are comparatively cost efficient than Internet security. | Internet Security is comparatively costlier as compared to Antivirus. |
| Access | In an Antivirus, there is no implementation of Access control for any application or resource. | Internet Security has feature of user configurable access control. |
| Usage | Antivirus software deals with the protection and security against Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses. | Internet Security deals with protection and privacy against viruses, phishing, spyware, etc. |
Conclusion
We can regard Antivirus software as a tool that helps strengthen Internet Security. An antivirus is a program that scans a computer for viruses, worms, and other malware and identifies, stops, and eliminates them. Internet Security, on the other hand, is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of issues that protect users from online threats.
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