Do I Need an Antivirus if I am Careful On the Internet? Total Security

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Do I Need an Antivirus if I am Careful On the Internet? Total Security


When it comes to the advisability of antivirus protection, all users are divided into two camps.

Some argue that they do not need any protection because they are extremely careful on the network and are guided by common sense, while others tend to believe that total security anti-virus protection is a necessity these days.


The that antivirus is only needed for irresponsible Windows users is just a myth. In an era where zero-day vulnerabilities are discovered and sold to criminal groups at alarming rates, even the most cautious users are vulnerable.


Common Sense is a Great Addition

Many people mistakenly believe that they can only infect their computer with malware by downloading suspicious files, using outdated software, visiting questionable sites, or doing other potentially dangerous things, such as activating a Java plugin in their browser. This is fundamentally wrong. The most popular ways to distribute malicious applications are not the only ones. We have already mentioned zero-day exploits - vulnerabilities that cybercriminals initially discover. At special events like Pwn2Own and Pwnium, attendees are encouraged to compromise fully patched software like Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Adobe Flash for a financial reward. These browsers and plugins inevitably crash as contributors exploit unpatched vulnerabilities to compromise product security.


As a rule, flaws are corrected immediately after detection, but new vulnerabilities inevitably appear.


In other words, your computer can only be infected by visiting a specific site. Moreover, these days even reliable sites can be hacked using ad units or content management system vulnerabilities - believe me, this happens on a regular basis.


Antivirus - the last layer of Protection

If a website exploits a security vulnerability in your browser or plugin to compromise your computer, then in the event of a successful attack, keyloggers, Trojans, rootkits, and other types of malicious objects may be installed on your device. Modern malware is controlled primarily by organized crime and is designed to collect financial information or use a computer on a large botnet.


If a 0-day vulnerability in software gives attackers the opportunity to infect malware on your system, the antivirus becomes the last layer of defense. Of course, an antivirus might not protect you from a vulnerability in another program or plugin, but it will most likely be able to detect and quarantine the malware before it does any damage.


Antivirus should not be your only layer of protection (safe surfing rules also play an important role), but it is necessary as one of the links in a competent security strategy. It's hard to find reasons not to use antivirus on Windows.


Why Give Up your Antivirus?

Some people think that antivirus software is heavy and seriously slows down your computer. This is certainly true for some antivirus programs. Older versions of really slowed down computers more than any virus. In addition, some modern anti-virus programs are full of advertising notifications and incentives to purchase advanced products and additional features, which can also annoy users.



However, the situation has been improving lately. Computers have become so fast that anti-virus software does not overload them as they used to.


In addition, the modern Windows 10 operating system includes a full-fledged free antivirus in its core, which guarantees respect for computer resources. He does not offer additional programs for installation, does not display ads, and does not intend to sell you anything.


Caution Does Not Hurt

Antivirus is just one of the security layers. No antivirus software is perfect, as verified by independent testing. If you are not careful, you can get infected with malware even if you use an antivirus.


Be careful with the files you download and run, update your software, remove vulnerable software like Java, etc., but don't give up on antivirus protection just because you're careful enough. A zero-day vulnerability in a browser or plugin could open the door for infection, and antivirus would be the last layer of defense.



Malware has changed a lot in recent times. Now, most of the threats are posed by organized crime for financial gain. Antivirus software helps you stay one step ahead of intruders, which is an important reason to use it.


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