In today’s increasingly digital world, cybersecurity is a vital concern for businesses of all sizes. Between 2019 and 2020, nearly 46% of UK businesses and 26% of charities reported experiencing cyberattacks or security breaches.
As businesses evolve, so too do the methods cybercriminals use to infiltrate systems and exploit vulnerabilities.
Whether you're a large corporation or an SME, protecting your company's sensitive data and assets is critical. Two of the most fundamental tools in your cybersecurity arsenal are antivirus software and firewalls.
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they serve distinct roles in safeguarding your network and devices. In this guide, we’ll delve deeper into the differences between them, explore their unique functions, and explain how both can work together to form a more comprehensive security strategy.
What is Antivirus Software?
Antivirus software is a specialised program designed to detect, prevent, and eliminate malicious software, or malware, from your devices. Malware includes a variety of threats like viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, and adware.
These threats can cause significant harm by corrupting files, stealing data, or even locking users out of critical systems until a ransom is paid.
Antivirus solutions work by:
Scanning files for known malware signatures.
Monitoring system behaviour for suspicious activity.
Quarantining or removing infected files.
Some advanced antivirus programs even offer real-time scanning capabilities, ensuring that your systems are protected the moment a new threat is detected.
Common Types of Malware
Viruses: Attach themselves to files or programs, spreading when these are executed.
Worms: Can self-replicate and spread through networks without needing to attach to a file.
Trojans: Appear legitimate but contain malicious code designed to damage or steal data.
Ransomware: Locks users out of their systems or encrypts data until a ransom is paid.
Spyware: Secretly gathers data and monitors user activity.
Adware: Generates unwanted advertisements and can also gather user data.
In summary, antivirus software focuses on scanning, detecting, and eliminating malware that has already entered your system, providing post-breach security.
What is Firewall Software?
While antivirus software focuses on internal threats, firewalls act as your network’s first line of defence against external threats. A firewall controls the flow of data between your network and the outside world, filtering traffic and blocking any suspicious activity before it reaches your internal systems.
Firewalls can be either software-based (installed on individual devices or servers) or hardware-based (a physical device that filters traffic across the network). They’re designed to:
Monitor incoming and outgoing traffic.
Block unauthorised access to your network.
Create a barrier between your internal network and potentially harmful external environments.
There are several types of firewalls, each serving different purposes in protecting your network:
Network Layer Firewalls
Monitor data packets (chunks of information) as they move across a network. They allow or block traffic based on predefined rules, such as IP addresses, ports, or protocols.
Application Layer Firewalls
Filter traffic for specific applications, ensuring only legitimate traffic reaches them. For example, they might block access to unauthorised websites or services.
Circuit Level Firewalls
Manage and monitor sessions once a connection is established, ensuring the communication between internal and external systems is legitimate.
Firewalls essentially act as gatekeepers, controlling what enters and leaves your network.
Key Differences Between Antivirus and Firewalls
Although both antivirus software and firewalls aim to protect your system, their methods and areas of focus differ.
Focus on Threat Entry Points
Firewalls primarily focus on preventing external threats from entering your network by monitoring traffic.
Antivirus software targets threats that have already infiltrated your system, eliminating or isolating malware that may bypass your firewall.
Proactive vs. Reactive Protection:
A firewall is proactive, preventing suspicious traffic from reaching your system.
An antivirus is reactive, detecting, and eliminating malware that has already infected your system.
Scope of Protection
Firewalls work at the network level, filtering traffic between your internal network and external environments.
Antivirus software works at the device level, scanning individual files and programs for malicious content.
Complementary Roles
Though they operate differently, antivirus software and firewalls complement one another. A strong firewall will prevent many external threats, but if malware slips through (e.g., via email attachments or USB drives), antivirus software can detect and neutralise it.
Why Both Are Essential for Your Business
In today’s complex cyber landscape, relying on just one layer of protection is no longer sufficient. Hackers employ sophisticated techniques, and without a multifaceted approach to cybersecurity, your business could be vulnerable to devastating attacks.
Firewalls protect your network from unauthorised access, blocking hackers and harmful traffic.
Antivirus software defends individual devices from malware and helps contain and eliminate infections.
Together, they create a more robust defence system that ensures your business is protected from a wide array of threats.
How DMS Group Can Help You Stay Secure
At DMS Group, we understand the unique cybersecurity challenges businesses face. Our range of bespoke cybersecurity services can help protect your organisation from the latest threats, keeping your network and devices safe.
Our Cyber Security Health Check offers a comprehensive assessment of your security posture. We provide in-depth evaluations based on industry standards such as Cyber Security Essentials Plus, CIS Standards, ISF Standard of Good Practice, and ISO27001. This health check will cover:
Technical inspections of your IT systems.
Process and logical security checks.
Physical inspections of your on-premises security controls.
We also protect more than just your computers. Multifunctional devices (MFDs) such as printers and copiers can also pose cybersecurity risks. With our DMS SECURE solutions, we ensure that your printing devices are protected against unauthorised access, safeguarding sensitive data stored on the device.
Secure Your Business Today
Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and it’s essential that your business remains ahead of the curve. Whether you’re looking for advanced firewall protection or robust antivirus software, DMS Group has the expertise to keep your business secure.
Contact our cybersecurity experts today to discuss a solution tailored to your organisation’s needs.
