Detect and neutralise spyware with anti-spyware: comparison of 10 tools

Your devices are like digital safes. Passwords, bank details, messages, photos... it's all there. And yet, all it takes is a well-hidden piece of spyware for all that data to fall into the wrong hands. According to ANSSI, cyber attacks increased by 15% in 2024 compared with 2023, representing around 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 a sneaky cyberthreat works

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

What is anti-spyware?

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, it records everything you type, searches your files, spies on your web browsing, activates your camera or microphone, and even transmits your data remotely.

But beware! Often invisible, you could fall victim to spyware without even realising it!

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

• Your device is slowing down for no reason;

• You see lots of ads or strange websites;

• Unknown applications are installed;

• Your settings change by themselves;

• The battery drains quickly;

• Your internet connection is unusually busy...

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

Nevertheless, the impact of malware on battery life is real. For example, cryptolockers use the processor intensively when they mine 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 behaviour associated with spyware.

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

• It compares the 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 behaviour via analysis (e.g. an application that tries 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 neutralise it:

• It can isolate the infected file (quarantine);

• Delete it if necessary,

• Restore modified settings,

• Block connections to the servers used by the 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, etc. Finding a robust anti-spyware solution is therefore 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 neutralised, anti-spyware minimises breaches of regulatory compliance, ensuring business continuity and security.

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

• User reviews and independent tests to make sure it's reliable ;

• How it's used : clear interface, accessible even if you're not an expert;

• Additional features : some antispyware products offer advanced features 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 should not 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 meets specific objectives in protecting your systems.

Definitions and roles

So how do you tell them apart? And why is antispyware still 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 recognise known malicious codes. Its role is fairly limited:

• Identify traditional viruses;

• Delete infected files;

• Block malicious processes.

☝️ Nowadays, most modern antivirus products have become broader in their functions, but they are still optimised 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 malicious software: rootkits, adware, etc. It often includes EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) functions . The tool is based on behavioural 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 quickly to abnormal behaviour.

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

Antispyware: the invisible surveillance specialist

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

Its role:

• Identify spying behaviour (surveillance, cameras, keylogging, etc.);

• Remove spyware that is 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 summarises these 3 tools.

Why is antispyware complementary to other tools?

Even if you already have anti-virus or anti-malware software, it is always more strategic to include anti-spyware in 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 products to protect your business

In 2024, 76% of businesses 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 realising. A single clumsy click can cost a fortune, which is why it's so important to adopt cybersecurity solutions capable of detecting, blocking and removing these threats.

Here's our selection of the 10 best professional anti-spyware products to keep endpoints and corporate data safe.

1. Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection

Comodo AEP stands out for its Default Deny Plaftorm technology, which automatically blocks any unapproved application. Unlike the 73% of traditional solutions that authorise any attempt to detect threats, Comodo reverses the logic. It blocks everything except with prior authorisation! It is particularly suited to SMEs and businesses concerned with preventing invisible intrusions on workstations.

Key features :

• Automatic containerisation;

• Protection against unknown spyware via an intelligent sandbox ;

• Cloud management console for centralised 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 uses AI to spot suspicious behaviour. Its light footprint on system resources makes it an excellent choice for environments with lots of workstations.

Key features :

• Advanced machine learning to detect polymorphic spyware;

• Intuitive interface for novice administrators;

• Flexible deployment (on-premise or cloud).

ESET Endpoint

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Advanced Endpoint Protection Software for Businesses

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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 recognised leader in cybersecurity. Its GravityZone solution, dedicated to SMEs, offers highly advanced protection against spyware. It combines behavioural analysis, anti-malware and a firewall. This solution is perfect for VSEs/SMEs who want a turnkey solution that's easy to administer.

Key features :

• Proactive detection of spyware thanks to behavioural analysis;

• Centralised 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 pull.

GravityZone by Bitdefender

70 reviews

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Multilayer cybersecurity for SMEs without in-house IT

Learn more about GravityZone by Bitdefender

4. Heimdal Threat Prevention Endpoint

Heimdal Threat Prevention Endpoint monitors your network traffic 24 hours a day. It offers advanced DNS filtering that blocks up to 97% of threats before they even reach your endpoints. Thanks to its unified platform, it simplifies IT security management, reducing risk while improving visibility of threats. Adapted to the diverse needs of organisations, it is available on a bespoke basis to suit the specific requirements of each business.

Heimdal Security

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Advanced Cyber Threat Prevention Software

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5. Malwarebytes for Business

Malwarebytes for Business is a complete cybersecurity solution that offers a secure VPN, identity protection and the deletion of sensitive personal data. The big plus? It's not free, but it offers unbeatable value for money! Its user-friendly interface and proven effectiveness against malware make it the ideal choice for strengthening the security of business environments.

Malwarebytes

20 reviews

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Comprehensive Threat Protection Software

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6. ThreatDown (by Malwarebytes)

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

Priced from $69 per Endpoint, it offers enterprise-level protection with simple, centralised 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 that meets 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 are now using 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, making centralised security management easier in business environments.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

+200 reviews

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Advanced Threat Protection for Enterprise Security

Learn more about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

8. Norton Small Business

Norton Small Business is :

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

• Protection covering more than 20 devices

• Scans that consume up to 45% fewer resources.

It offers complete device protection: a powerful antivirus and an integrated password manager. Easy to deploy, it covers the security needs of small organisations without requiring advanced technical skills.

9. Spybot-Search & Destroy Professional Edition

A veteran in the fight against malware since the early 2000s, Spybot-Search & Destroy Professional Edition stands out for its infinite customisation options. 178 adjustable parameters It's impossible not to find the protection that suits your organisation'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 the life of your company is at stake. That's why SUPERAntiSpyware Business Edition is a golden ally. Updated 3 times a day (compared to once for the vast majority of competitors), no threat can resist!

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

How to get rid of spyware Advice and best practice

Installing antispyware is already a very 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 text message);

• 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 is a serious threat to the security of your digital information. They can infiltrate without you noticing and collect sensitive data. Using reliable, regularly updated anti-spyware is an essential protection 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 anti-spyware work, and by adopting good security practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these insidious threats and protect our IT infrastructure.