The solution to the much publicized threat from malicious
software viruses has materialized in the form of anti-virus
software and anti-spyware that counters viruses and
spyware programs as they are identified within infected
files or as they transit thru a network.
However, the simple name “anti-virus” (commonly known
as AV) does not properly convey the total protection that
most anti-virus solutions now provide. Varying levels of anti-virus protection can now be provided,
the extent of the protection being offered being dependant
upon the size and importance of the network equipment
being protected.
At the edge of the network, enterprise desktop and commercial/
retail anti-virus solutions targeted at residential end users
now seek to provide a more general level of support to counter
the effects of most of the malicious virus software, including
worms and Trojan horses (which carry PUPs/spyware).
In the core of network, dedicated security appliances may
be implemented to protect network assets from individual
specific threats; for example, a Web server may be protected
by a dedicated Web-server protection appliance, or
company e-mails may be scanned for viruses and other
forms of malware at the point of ingress by a dedicated,
managed-mail security appliance.
