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Security Software and Antivirus Programs
The average internet user spends 6.5 hours online every single day. Overall, it’s expected that we access hundreds of different websites every year, sharing our information with hundreds of different companies, and ultimately, exposing ourselves to a variety of risks as a result.
The internet is a dangerous place and despite how cautious you are online, it’s impossible to be 100% safe when browsing the internet. Every time we connect to the internet, our devices, whether they’re laptops, computers, or Macs, are at the risk of thousands of different viruses. All it takes is one click for a virus to infect your device. When that happens, hackers may be able to get hold of your banking information or compromise your device, demanding a significant sum of money for you to take back control. Antivirus programs and security software can help to protect you against this.
Laptop Security Software
Laptops are no longer just a luxury addition to the traditional desktop computer. It’s now much more common for laptops to be the only type of computer in a household. And why not! They are much more convenient and can go with you anywhere.
Sadly, too many owners have failed to realize the additional dangers that come from using a laptop. Just as it’s much more convenient for you to use, it's also much more convenient for hackers to infect with viruses and malware.
Getting a top of the line antivirus security for your laptop is essential so your dream computer doesn’t become a nightmare
How Does Security Software and Antivirus Work
Antiviruses and other types of security software are designed to protect devices against viruses, worms, trojan horses, and plenty else. They can also remove such threats if they’re already infecting your devices.
You can use antivirus software passively by setting up scans yourself or you can have it running so it's working in the background all of the time. It can check all of the websites you visit and the files you download.
Additional security software includes password protectors, which can be used to store all of your passwords online in one safe space. As this space is encrypted, it means hackers won’t be able to identify your passwords if they ever steal that information. In addition, some Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) also offer security features that can be used to complement antivirus programs.
Online Threats
Left unsecured your internet connection is just as much a gateway for hackers to invade your system as it is for you to connect with the world. There's a high risk that unprotected individuals will be targeted for, viruses, trojans, phishing scams, data theft the list goes on.
While some potential attacks may sound familiar here are a few tricky ones.
Phishing - Phishing most often takes the form of a fraudulent email seemingly originating from a legitimate source. They might ask you to "verify" sensitive information or send you a fake link to log into your account. If you fall victim to the scam you can consider everything linked to that information gone.
Data Theft - Is a broad term, that includes phishing, but can be much more nefarious. For example, it's possible for a keylogging program to be installed in your browser (or your desktop!) without your knowledge. Then ever stroke of your keyboard gets sent to the hacker right under your nose.
So, when it comes to whether or not you should get internet security software, the answer is a resounding YES!
The Benefits of Security Software for Mac, Windows & Mobile
The best internet security software will go above and beyond to keep you safe online. That being said, there are some differences between even the top-rated protection programs in terms of performance and features.
Some of the features you should look out for when choosing your PC and phone security app include:
Safe Browsing - These will alert and protect you from accidentally following malicious links with the potential to open you up to an attack. This feature functions in real-time because prevention is really the only option.
Default Deny Approach (DDA) - Prevents you from installing any files onto your device until your antivirus software can guarantee they’re harmless (usually via a valid certificate).
Email Scanner - Not only will this alert you to potential phishing emails, but the best will also function as an anti-spam filter on top of the default given by your email provider.
Webcam Security - With this feature install you'll no longer have to physically cover your webcam to prevent it from spying on you.
Parental Controls - If you have children, it's impossible for you to monitor everything they do online to prevent them from accessing inappropriate material or downloading a virus. With parental controls, the impossible becomes possible because the program will run 24/7 as long as they're online.
Fights All Known Malware - Malware, just like real viruses, is constantly changing. Make sure your provider is regularly updated to protect against all forms.
There are of course many more features on offer, and many companies let you bundle what you need into a cheaper package, so it pays to shop around.
Free or Paid Antivirus Security?
While there are lots of free antivirus programs out there, it’s important to be aware of the risks of using free software. Often, the software is provided for free because the creators are able to benefit from getting your personal information and selling it to third parties. In addition, there are lots of free security and antivirus programs that are actually viruses themselves. Hackers and online criminals can easily set up websites that promise to protect your Mac or computer but then go on to attack it once you’ve clicked the link.
We strongly recommend that you always choose a paid-for antivirus program. After all, if you’ve just spent over $1000 on a new Mac, isn’t the extra investment of a few dollars every month worth it to protect your Mac against the ever-growing risk of viruses?
Which Antivirus & Security Provider is Best for Me?
Depending on whether you own a computer, laptop, or Mac, you’ll need to think carefully about your choice of antivirus and security software. With so many options out there, our experts are here to help you match the security features you’re looking for to the best possible antivirus provider.