Using your computer carefully doesn’t assure protection from threats. So, if you think you have good guts to browse safely, then think twice. Remember, your internet connection, as well as, your operating system is vulnerable if you’re not using a robust antivirus that confirms high-grade safety.
Why? Because the idea of being secured just because you have a couple of routine websites to visit on the daily basis is nothing but a myth. So whether you are an individual, or administering an organization, if your computer lacks an antivirus software, then there are 99.9% chances that you’re the next victim of a data breach through malicious computer programs.
What is an Antivirus?
An antivirus program helps shields your computer against cybercriminals, malware, spyware, ransomware, and all other viruses. The antivirus software analyzes all the data including applications, webpages, transferring from the internet to all your devices.
It further evaluates all known threats and supervises the behavior of all the programs. And in case of any suspicious activity, it immediately flags that particular program, eliminating or blocking malware at the earliest.
Therefore, having your device backed with antivirus has always been essential to assure your business and personal data are safe and sound. On the other hand, avoiding to install an exceptional antivirus is equals to death to privacy. No matter how carefully you browse, you can be at trouble at any time.
Is Antivirus Still Important in 2020?
Why not!
Did you know that the year 2020 has been a year of cyber-attacks? Since people switched to online platforms amidst COVID-19 to continue their business, cybercriminals have taken advantage of the situation and hacked several big, small, and medium organizations.
According to CRN, at the beginning of 2020, some prolific malware operators, such as DoppelPaymer, Nefilim, Sekhmet, and Sodinokibi, breached business data and published them on their respective platforms. And guess what? These victims are just not private firms, but even five municipal governments have faced several ransomware attacks.
Contrarily, numerous financial, IT, and manufacturing services, including higher education institutions have tasted a virus attack in 2020. And surprisingly, all of them are from technologically advanced countries, such as the UK, the USA, and Denmark.
Likewise, Malaysia has been a victim of viruses in 2020. As reported by The Star, there have been 800+ cyber security cases in Malaysia from March 18 to April 17.
CAUSE: Using Built-in Malware Protections in 2020 – Completely Unsafe
Do you think all the victims were using unprotected systems? Of course not! These organizations should have been utilizing antiviruses, however, the ones with inadequate protection. So let’s discover one of the main causes of such incidents.
Since the new operating system’s inception, users believe that there isn’t any need of protecting their computers from third-party antivirus software. Why? Because they truly believe in the built-in virus scanners and eliminators. Nevertheless, in the end, regardless of how safely they browse, their devices end-up catching different viruses.
So, let’s dig up defects in the built-in antiviruses, which comes with some infamous operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Virus and Windows Users
Although Windows assures virus protection through its Windows Defender, it is still one of the easiest operating systems to hack. The reasons are irregular updates, and lack of using machine learning or heuristics to identify new threats.
Virus and macOS
While most Mac users think that their systems are virus-proof due to the built-in antivirus, such as Mac’s File Quarantine, they fail to understand that the software doesn’t support zero-day threats. Moreover, it often fails to identify spyware and adware.
For example, Shlayer spyware breached countless Mac users’ data and infected their systems terribly. No spam, no mails, no clickbait strategies, but the hackers polluted Mac users’ browsing data by inserting affiliate product links into their recommended searches. And as a result, a single click allowed the virus to enter the computer.
Virus and Android
Being a widely-used mobile OS, Android devices are also the easiest target for hackers. Despite Google Play Protect is a great built-in virus scanner for Android, it has failed to offer protection against phishing, spyware, and ransomware.
For example, Locker ransomware hacked users’ data and information and demanded ransom to retrieve the data. Unfortunately, users had to pay thousands of dollars to recover the files.
Virus and iOS
Undeniably, iOS devices are difficult to intrude because of the strict protocols around the OS’s native sandboxing, as well as, App Store. However, malicious public and private Wi-Fi networks and unethical applications can track user information effortlessly.
Hence, whatever your operating system is, if you’re not using an excellent antivirus because you trust the built-in protections against threats, then you might be risking your home and business data. That’s why it is suggested to use a first-rate antivirus program even in 2020 to lock all the gateways from where the virus could enter your device.
Benefits of using an Antivirus
One of the best things you can do to protect your home and business devices is to install an antivirus to them. And after adding an antivirus program, you can savor the following benefits:
- Your PCs, laptops, smartphones, and tablets are protected from different viruses including spyware, malware, and other malicious content
- Antivirus protects your device from phishing attacks by evaluating and failing unauthorized access to assure your data is not stolen
- A robust antivirus allows you to browse the internet cautiously
- It scans any removable device and prompts any potential threats
- Antivirus helps preserve your identity from being stolen and misused
How to Choose a Best Antivirus Software in 2020
There are numerous antivirus programs available, but not all of them provide high-grade protection. Even some well-recognized antiviruses are unable to hold the attack’s intensity. And as a consequence, your system is never secure.
So, what traits to look for when buying an antivirus program?
If the question still haunts you, then here’s the answer:
1. User-friendly
Antivirus should have an uncomplicated interface so that even users with limited computer knowledge could use the options, and understand the necessary steps they should take in case of any threat detection.
2. Performance
It’s a bitter truth that many antivirus applications reduce devices’ performance. And it happens because of low memory. Therefore, it is advised to opt for an antivirus that requires minimum loading time to assure it runs smoothly on the system.
3. Strong Safeguarding Against Threats
Malware is not just a word, but it’s an entire universe made of different types of viruses. So whether it’s an overwrite virus, network virus, web scripting virus, or a browser hijacker, the antivirus should help counter all kinds of perils.
4. Real-Time Action
An antivirus should be capable of running system and file scans in real-time. For example, any new file in the system should be thoroughly scanned without delay. Moreover, the antivirus should be able to review every single hard drive’s corner to confirm everything is protected. And in case, of any danger, it must immediately take an action.
5. Accuracy
Many users complain about missing their files, especially the non-infected ones disappear from the device after running a virus scan. This happens when the antivirus is developed poorly, and fail to evaluate the contaminated data. So whenever you’re getting an antivirus, make sure it doesn’t affect the uninfected files, and even secure them entirely.
The above-mentioned traits are the fundamentals of a good antivirus. Nevertheless, if you’re expecting a next-level program that not only fulfills the basic requirements, but even delivers more than your expectations, then ESET is an outstanding antivirus software you can get for your Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux operating systems.
What’s good about ESET?
Certainly, everything!
ESET is developed with a plethora of mesmerizing features, including:
- Complete device and data protection
- Top-quality ransomware blocking
- Prime security against intruders, hackers, and other cybercriminals
- Uncompromising online transactions safeguarding
- Powerful password security
- Indestructible photo encoding
And apart from all remarkable virus-protection aid, ESET steals the show, as this antivirus program comes with three different plans to secure all your home and business devices singlehandedly. You can pick the most suitable plan that meets your needs. So, here are your options:
- ESET Smart Security Premium for ultimate protection (one-stop-solution)
- ESET Internet Security that provides an advance defense to counter major virus threats and data breach (most-popular)
- ESET NOD 32 Antivirus for basic prevention from ransomware and other common attacks (best for home use)
And the best part is that no matter what plan you select, all of them include a 30-days free trial to make sure you try and test all the features to clear any doubts.
Conclusion
Browsing and surfing the internet in 2020 could be hazardous if your device lacks an unbeatable antivirus software. The recent incidents prove that several businesses have been the prey of ruthless hackers, who used malware and other viruses to steal vital personal and official information. That’s why it is crucial to secure your operating systems with unique antivirus software.
Gladly, Net Onboard, being a promising IT solution organization, is an official distributor of ESET, a top-notch antivirus program that never rests until it eradicates all harmful data from your PC, laptop, smartphone, and tablet. Plus, it’s an ideal virus-killer that always keeps your browsing safe and reliable. So, feel free to contact Net Onboard for any queries, as the IT hub is always up to help resolve all your technological problems.
