Blog

Antivirus software vs. kiosk software: What's the difference?

February 4, 2014 by Laura Miller — Director of Marketing, Kioware

As we enter the world of "Android Security" and discussions about "Securing your Android Device," it is clear that there is much confusion around the Security Category, and where something like kiosk software fits in. Conversations abound about how installing anything unknown on your tablet or mobile phone can be a precarious move, with malware, viruses, and other programs being written and disguised as innocuous applications. Each time a new Android targeting virus comes out, it hits the news again and the conversation is revived. Given the popularity of the topic, where does kiosk software fit into the current conversation about Android security?

Kiosk hardware, kiosk software, and kiosk applications certainly operate as a tool for providing device security, both locking down a device from being stolen and protecting the operating system from public access and self-service devices from malicious downloads. While the implications of the Target breach are widespread, it drives home the importance of each and every device that accesses the main system and the fact that viruses can piggyback on virtually anything to gain access to important data.

That being said, what is the difference between kiosk software and antivirus software? Kiosk software serves as protection from all unapproved usage ... limited individuals from accessing their email, downloading files, or visiting unauthorized websites, for example. There are many "antivirus" functions, however, that kiosk software does not address.

What are your thoughts on how we can bring this important security conversation back to the forefront of the self-service category?