Using the internet can be convenient and amazing. But it has a dark side, too. While the availability of instant communication, plenty of information, and convenient online shopping options is fantastic, there’s always the lingering threat of a cyberattack that can adversely affect both individuals and businesses. Hackers are always finding new and unique methods of circumventing security protocols. Phishing is still prevalent. New viruses are created every day. And more recently, they’ve been exploiting Windows’ error reporting tools to deploy malware. In the past (and present), malware has been deployed via ads, emails, and malicious websites. Having some additional protection from possible attacks is crucial today. Today, we’ll highlight the benefits of using an antivirus and offer a few ways to protect yourself online.
Antivirus Defined
Although you probably heard about them, you might not be familiar with what an antivirus actually is. An antivirus is a type of software designed to prevent, find, and eliminate malware. Malware, short for malicious software, is a common and pervasive threat in today’s world. Viruses fall into this category, as do spyware, ransomware, worms, trojans, and anything else they can cause damage to a computer system. In addition to firewalls, security software, password best practices, and other security methods, antiviruses are just another shield in the ongoing battle against cyber threats.
How An Antivirus Works
Antivirus is one of the most important tools you can use to create a safer online experience. As a program tasked with preventing and removing viruses from a computer, it has a vital job. Keeping it updated is one of the most important things you can do because of the way an antivirus program works. It has many different methods to detect malware, most of which hinge on having an updated database of virus signatures on which to draw to determine if a certain file is a threat or not. An antivirus scans for malware by looking at every file on your computer’s memory. It scans the contents of email messages as well. It will also check websites you visit against the lists of known phishing sites. If it finds and flags something, it can quarantine the file. Then, the antivirus will remove it.
The Benefits of Using an Antivirus
Using an Antivirus is a necessity in this day and age. browsing the internet without a firewall and antivirus program is tantamount to exposing yourself to malware and other dangers each time you log on. To be effective, an antivirus program must be updated regularly and perform regular scans. With a good antivirus software program, you can automate these processes to save time and avoid falling victim to the latest malware. If your antivirus has additional security built into it, it can help you browse safely, block web threats, and avoid online scams. Strong antivirus protection for your home can come in basic forms or even offer a full-on security suite to help protect the devices (and people) that matter most.
Common Malware Threats (and How Antiviruses Can Prevent Them)
Antiviruses can help you because they prevent malware and other viruses from attacking your system. A virus is software that infects a computer by attaching itself to another file. After doing so, it copies itself over and over again. This self-replicating file then infects other files and can potentially corrupt data or wreak havoc on the functions of your computer. It will interfere with your ability to use certain programs and apps, slow down your computer, and possibly cause permanent damage. Different types of malware behave in unique ways. For instance, trojans act like normal files but once activated will begin spying on your activities or cause other damage. Ransomware will encrypt your files so you can’t access them without paying for a decryption key. Worms change and modify your files, sometimes injecting malicious code into other files on your devices. Antivirus programs are essential for fending off dangerous malware and tightening your device’s security.
Additional Protection Methods
An antivirus can even guard against phishing by blocking a potential spam email or filtering emails coming from a suspicious source into your email account’s junk folder. In addition to using your antivirus to watch for such things, you can take a few common sense tactics to avoid it yourself. Always check the URL website you visit to ensure it’s legit. This can help prevent drive-by downloads and other malware from finding their way onto your system. You should also be careful about clicking links through emails and avoid opening emails from an unknown source. These are effective methods for preventing viruses that work well as a supplement to your antivirus program.
