Detect and neutralize spyware with anti-spyware: a comparison of 10 tools

Your devices are like digital safes. Passwords, banking information, messages, photos... it's all there. And yet, all it takes is a well-hidden piece of spyware for all this data to fall into the wrong hands. According to ANSSI, cyber-attacks increased by 15% in 2024, compared with 2023, representing some 3,000 reports.

The good news is that there are effective tools to get rid of them: anti-spyware. Here we explain how they work, and which ones to install for peace of mind in 2025.

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Spyware: how an insidious cyberthreat works

Many people think that an antivirus like Avast is enough to block everything. In reality, this is not always the case. Not all antivirus programs are designed to detect spyware.

What is antispyware?

Spyware is a silent but dangerous threat. These malicious programs, often hidden, discreetly infiltrate your device (smartphone or computer) to monitor your activity.

Also known as spyware, they record everything you type, search your files, spy on your web browsing, activate your camera or microphone, and even transmit your data remotely.

Beware! Often invisible, you could be a victim without even knowing it!

Wondering how to tell if spyware has crept into your device? Although they can easily go unnoticed, there are certain signs that should alert you. Here are some common symptoms:

• Your device crashes for no reason;

• You see a lot of ads or strange sites;

• Unknown applications are installed;

• Your settings change by themselves;

• Your battery drains rapidly;

• Your Internet connection is unusually busy...

These clues are not 100 percent proof of the presence of spyware, but they are clearly worth checking out.

Nevertheless, the impact of malware on battery life is real. For example, cryptolockers make intensive use of the processor when mining cryptocurrencies without the user's knowledge.

How does anti-spyware work?

Antispyware is a type of security software designed to detect, isolate and remove spyware and other similar forms of malware, such as trackers.

Like a digital watchdog, it scans your files, processes and network traffic for anomalies and suspicious behavior associated with spyware.

How does it work? Antispyware uses several techniques to track down intruders:

• It compares files on your device to a database of known spyware via signature analysis. If it finds a match, it issues an alert.

• It identifies suspicious behavior via analysis (e.g. an application trying to access the camera or send data for no reason).

• It monitors everything that happens on your device to stop threats before they do any damage.

Once spyware has been detected, antispyware takes steps to neutralize it:

• It can isolate the infected file (quarantine);

• Delete it if necessary,

• Restore modified settings,

• Block connections to servers used by spies

• And alert you in the event of a problem.

The importance of antispyware for businesses

In the professional world, spyware can cause major damage: data leaks, industrial espionage, financial losses... Finding a robust antispyware solution is crucial to protect sensitive data such as industrial secrets, customer data and strategic exchanges. It prevents the exfiltration of confidential information, secures communications and maintains system integrity.

Once spyware has been neutralized, antispyware minimizes regulatory compliance violations, ensuring the continuity and security of business operations.

👉 As a CIO, the question is no longer whether you need it, but which one to choose. Here are a few criteria to keep in mind:

• User reviews and independent tests to ensure reliability;

• User-friendliness : clear interface, accessible even if you're not an expert;

• Additional features : some antispyware products offer advanced functions such as web browsing protection and adware removal tools;

• Frequent updates: for protection against new threats

• Real-time protection : essential for blocking spyware before it takes hold;

• Lightweight and fast: a good antispyware program shouldn't slow down your device.

Antivirus, antimalware and antispyware: what are the differences, what are their roles and why combine them?

The terms " antivirus", " antimalware" and " antispyware " are often confused, even though they refer to different, albeit complementary, tools. Each of these tools has its own specific objectives when it comes to protecting your systems.

Definitions and roles

So how do you tell them apart? And why is antispyware essential, even if you already have an antivirus or antimalware installed?

Antivirus: basic protection

Antivirus software is specifically designed to identify and eliminate classic viruses . To do this, it uses a signature database to recognize known malicious codes. Its role is fairly limited:

• Identify traditional viruses;

• Delete infected files;

• Block malicious processes.

☝️ Today, most modern antivirus products have become broader in their functions, but are still optimized for signature-based detection.

Antimalware: the all-in-one solution against modern computer threats

Antimalware is a newer, more comprehensive version of antivirus. It is designed to combat all forms of malware: rootkits, adware and more. It often includes EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) functions . The tool relies on behavioral analysis and advanced real-time detection techniques, adapted to evolving threats.

Its role is to

• Detect various types of malware;

• Monitor system and network activity ;

• React rapidly to abnormal behavior.

✅ In other words, these are complete security suites, capable of integrating several modules (firewall, antispam, web protection...).

Antispyware: the invisible surveillance specialist

Particularly effective against APTs (Advanced Persistent Threats), antispyware specializes in detecting and eliminating spyware.

Its role:

• Identify spying behavior (surveillance, camera, keylogging, etc.) ;

• Remove spyware often ignored by antivirus software;

• Prevent confidential data leaks.

💪 Where antivirus and antimalware are often generalists, antispyware acts as a precision tool, particularly useful in high-risk environments or after a suspicious infection.

Feature comparison

Here's a table that explicitly summarizes these 3 tools.

Why is antispyware complementary to other tools?

Even if you already have antivirus or antimalware software, it's always more strategic to integrate antispyware into your cybersecurity arsenal.

• Persistent: designed to fly under the radar;

• Able to evade standard detection: some use advanced concealment techniques;

• A gateway to other attacks: they pave the way for a more serious attack;

Good to know : Antispyware is useful in "second opinion" mode: it can complete the analysis and uncover undetected threats.

Top 10 best antispyware solutions to protect your business

In 2024, 76% of companies reported at least one spyware attack. Spyware continues to threaten businesses in silence. Unlike ransomware, spyware installs itself discreetly and collects confidential information without the user even realizing it. Yet a single clumsy click can cost a fortune, making it all the more important to adopt cybersecurity solutions capable of detecting, blocking and removing these threats.

Here's our selection of the 10 best professional antispyware solutions for endpoint and data security in the enterprise.

1. Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection

Comodo AEP stands out for its Default Deny Plaftorm technology, which automatically blocks all unapproved applications. Unlike the 73% of traditional solutions that allow any attempt to detect threats, Comodo reverses the logic. It blocks everything except with prior authorization! It's particularly suited to SMEs and companies concerned with avoiding invisible intrusions on workstations.

Highlights :

• Automatic containerization;

• Protection against unknown spyware via an intelligent sandbox ;

• Cloud management console for centralized control.

2. ESET PROTECT

Eset Protect is a unified cybersecurity platform offering multi-layered detection, including a highly effective anti-spyware component. Its analysis engine relies on AI to spot suspicious behavior. Its light weight on system resources makes it an excellent choice for environments with many workstations.

Highlights :

• Advanced machine learning to detect polymorphic spyware;

• Intuitive interface for novice administrators;

• Flexible deployment (on-premise or cloud).

ESET Endpoint

SEE SOFTWARE

Comprehensive Endpoint Protection Software

Learn more about ESET Endpoint

3. GravityZone Small Business Security (Bitdefender)

Small businesses looking for all-in-one solutions will appreciate Bitdefender. With a 33% market share, it is a recognized leader in cybersecurity. Its GravityZone solution, dedicated to SMBs, offers advanced protection against spyware. It combines behavioral analysis, antimalware and a firewall. This solution is perfect for SMBs who want a turnkey solution that's easy to administer.

Highlights :

• Proactive detection of spyware thanks to behavioral analysis;

• Centralized incident management dashboard;

• Based on a secure cloud infrastructure.

GravityZone lives up to its name by attracting spyware and then crushing it with its gravitational power.

GravityZone by Bitdefender

70 reviews

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Multilayer cybersecurity for small business with no IT team

Learn more about GravityZone by Bitdefender

4. Heimdal Threat Prevention Endpoint

Heimdal Threat Prevention Endpoint monitors your network flow 24/7. It offers advanced DNS filtering that blocks up to 97% of threats before they reach your endpoints. Thanks to its unified platform, it simplifies IT security management, reducing risk while improving threat visibility . Adapted to the varied needs of organizations, it is offered on a bespoke basis to fit the specific requirements of each business.

Heimdal Security

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Patch and Asset Management

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5. Malwarebytes for Business

Malwarebytes for Business is a complete cybersecurity solution that offers a secure VPN, identity protection and deletion of sensitive personal data. The big plus? Without being free, it offers unbeatable value for money! Its user-friendly interface and proven effectiveness against malware make it a preferred choice for strengthening security in business environments.

Malwarebytes

20 reviews

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Comprehensive Protection for Your Devices

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6. ThreatDown (by Malwarebytes)

ThreatDown, developed by Malwarebytes, is an advanced cybersecurity solution that integrates robust features such as EDR, MDR, vulnerability assessment and ransomware rollback.

Priced from $69 per Endpoint, it offers enterprise-level protection while maintaining simple, centralized management. ThreatDown stands out for its effectiveness against modern threats and its ability to simplify security in complex environments.

7. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Otherwise derided, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has undergone a complete metamorphosis to become a cloud-native security solution tailored to the needs of large enterprises. It offers advanced protection, including threat detection and response, while integrating seamlessly with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Microsoft has upped its cybersecurity game so much that even hackers now use Defender.

Its affordable pricing, between $2.50 and $5.20 per user per month, makes it even more competitive. Its main advantage lies in its seamless integration with Windows, facilitating centralized security management in business environments.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

+200 reviews

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Comprehensive Endpoint Protection for Businesses

Learn more about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

8. Norton Small Business

Norton Small Business is :

• Installation in 5 minutes (compared with 27 minutes for competitors)

• Protection for more than 20 devices

• Scans that consume up to 45% fewer resources.

Complete device protection: high-performance antivirus and integrated password manager. Easy to deploy, it covers the security needs of small organizations without requiring advanced technical skills.

9. Spybot-Search & Destroy Professional Edition

A veteran of anti-malware since the early 2000s, Spybot-Search & Destroy Professional Edition stands out for its infinite customization options. 178 adjustable parameters It's impossible not to find the protection that suits your organization's needs! Its main strength lies in the granular control it offers. This means you can configure your protection environment precisely to your requirements.

10. SuperAntispyware Business Edition

In modern cybersecurity, being paranoid is no longer a mental disorder! Don't let anyone judge you, because your company's life is at stake. And that's why SUPERAntiSpyware Business Edition is a golden ally. Updated 3 times a day (as opposed to once for the vast majority of competitors), no threat will resist!

Above all, it's a lightweight security solution designed for VSEs and SMEs. With a memory consumption of just 28 MB, it adapts to the older machines of companies on a budget.

How to get rid of spyware Tips and best practices

Installing antispyware is already a good idea. But by adopting a few good practices on a daily basis, you can limit the risks even further:

• Don't click on just any link (e-mail or sms);

• Only download from reliable sources ;

• Update your software regularly;

• Use strong, unique passwords (don't use 123456 just because it's easier for several employees!)

• Avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi networks;

• Make regular back-ups of your important data;

• Consider using an ad blocker and trackers in your web browser;

• Regularly scan your device with your anti-spyware software.

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Conclusion

Spyware represents a serious threat to the security of your digital information. They can infiltrate without your knowledge and collect sensitive data. The use of a reliable and regularly updated anti-spyware is an essential protective measure.

Even if you already have a powerful antivirus, always install antispyware to make sure you're not being monitored without your knowledge. By understanding how spyware and antispyware work, and adopting good security practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these insidious threats and protect our IT infrastructure.