Some computer users mistakenly think their careful online activity, built-in operating system protection, and even browser security will keep them safe, while others don’t think antivirus software works at all. But we’re here to tell you that protection against digital threats is much more than navigating the Internet with caution or installing a program on your computer.
It’s about taking an active approach to protecting yourself against the latest online security threats. Keeping your computer and its software up to date, avoiding downloading suspicious content, and staying away from links from untrusted sources are all a part of it. But the question lies in are antivirus programs worth it?
The short answer: yes. These best practices aren’t going to save you when you accidentally click on the wrong thing or new malware figures out how to break through all of your system’s built-in security.
There are so many dangers online, and without proper protection, you put you and your entire family at risk. You still need antivirus software today, just like you did ten years ago. It protects you against viruses, ransomware, botnets, trojans, malware, and more.
Antivirus software detects a threat before it can cause damage and many modern solutions offer technology that can learn about the latest threats in real-time. So, while the number of threats continues to grow, so does the knowledge of your protection software.
A large misconception is that antivirus software only protects against viruses, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Zero-day malware threats pose an even bigger risk than computer viruses, which is why most antivirus software protects against those, too.
Modern antivirus software can monitor multiple attack avenues at once including adware, spyware, phishing, malware, ransomware, and much more. Antivirus technology continues to evolve so it can protect against much more than viruses.
Antivirus has been forced to evolve based on the ever-growing database of attacks. Luckily, as the attacks grow in sophistication, so does the protection. You need antivirus software that can check beyond the virus signatures and has technology capable of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and behavioral tracking. Your software should be able to detect, defend, and block all attacks.
All devices with Internet access are susceptible to attacks. Malicious software can affect any system, deleting files, obtaining personal data, and using your resources. One attack can hijack your entire device and steal your identity. No matter whether you use a PC, a Mac, an Android device, or an iOS device, you need antivirus software.
Attackers have started targeting mobile devices because of the rise in use. They are lucrative targets and contain more sensitive data than a wallet, a bank account, or a medical record. Is antivirus software effective? Absolutely.
If you engage in online activities, you are at risk. Some may say they’re careful, but that doesn’t keep you protected. Malicious links are often masked as Twitter or Facebook linkbait, free software, email attachments, and more. In this day and age, everyone is vulnerable.
While you can’t always avoid infections, antivirus software gives you what you need to stop threats before they cause serious damage. There’s really no reason to not have it!
Modern solutions don’t slow down your system, and often they run in the background automatically so you can set it and forget it. They’re easy to come by and reasonably priced. So, what’s your excuse for not using antivirus in 2019?