Ask the Experts: What's the difference between antivirus and Internet Security software?

Easily one of the most Frequently Asked Questions we get is,

What's the difference between antivirus software and an Internet security suite?

Right on the heels of that is the next one, Is the upgrade worth it?

Each security software company puts their own spin on things, but generally it boils down to the addition of two critical features:

1. firewall software
2. malicious website filtering

firewall software

Creates a virtual "moat" between your PC and the Internet (or the rest of a network if you're on an open wireless network somewhere like a coffee shop or the airport.)

Sure, some malware can beat a software firewall, but it's another layer of defense to help keep your PC safe.

The other benefit to the best firewalls: you can record (and block) traffic both going to your PC and traffic leaving from it, too.

What's the point?

You'd be surprised how many programs are installed on your PC that make connections all on their own to check for updates, etc. Viruses, worms, keyloggers, spambots, and other malware do this, too.

So, if you suspect a virus may've infected your PC and gotten past your antivirus software, a firewall can help you track down if and when it's making connection attempts from your PC back to a master server somewhere.

malicious website filtering

You're out reading some news and checking out your favorite sites. Maybe you're clicking around and visiting some sites you've never been to, maybe you just made a typo did "yuorbank" instead of "yourbank."

Who knows.

In either case, the bad guys are on the prowl and are:

1. secretly taking over legitimate sites and installing their viruses onto them
2. buying domain names that are typos of legitimate sites
3. sending spams and phishing emails

Regardless of their method, the bad guys are out there, and malicious website filters (including anti-phishing ones), like a firewall, can give you one more layer of protection before the actual virus detection part of antivirus software has to come into play.

Is the upgrade it worth it?

Yes.

In a lot of cases when it comes to technology, there's wiggle room in an answer. In this case though, the "Yes" is clearcut.

Sure, these two features will cost a few bucks more, usually about $10. The $10 is well spent though, since you're getting real benefit from it.

The $10 isn't just fluff on a fancier name; it's $10 on--at least--two different security technologies that you don't get with most basic antivirus protection.

And, they're two technologies that can make all the difference between your PC being compromised (and all the clean-up time, expense, and mess that goes along with it) and not.