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Following the introduction of Microsoft Defender on Windows 8 and Windows 10, as well as the misconception that Apple software is difficult to hack, just how important is antivirus protection in 2018? With operating systems now being built with antivirus in mind, is it possible to go without protection software as long as you’re smart about the sites you visit and the downloads you choose? Let’s take a look.
Is Being Wary Of Suspicious Sites & Files Enough?
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Simply put, the notion that responsible internet usage will protect you from accidentally contracting viruses, malware or other dangerous software is, ironically, irresponsible. This is because no matter how much you avoid suspicious websites and files, you may still be unknowingly leaving holes in your security, for example by having the Java plug-in enabled.
Even if you are the most careful internet user on the face of the Earth, you still are not 100% protected as there are others looking to exploit your good nature. For instance, there are zero-day vulnerabilities, which are security issues initially found by hackers and then sold to or simply shared with others who profit from breaking into innocent peoples’ computers. There are even competitions like Pwn2Own and Pwnium now, where participants find holes in software as big as Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer to win. Not one browser has managed to keep the hackers out, so don’t think that you can.
Antivirus Packages Give You Protection & Peace of Mind
Now, we know not all of us are so important that we will be personally targeted by a group of hackers but having an antivirus package makes your computer significantly more secure just in case. Say you were to unknowingly visit a website with a gaping security flaw, the antivirus software you have installed will ensure you remain malware free, while those without protection will probably be dealing with keyloggers, trojans, rootkits and other nasties for the foreseeable future.
Protection Software Is No Longer Expensive or Heavy
There was a time when installing an antivirus package would cost you large amounts of hard-earned cash as well as computer memory. Fortunately, this is no longer the case – especially when it comes to built-in security like Defender on Windows, which uses barely any resources and isn’t bogged down with junkware, paid upgrades or ads.
Newer versions of famous antivirus protection such as Norton and McAfee are also significantly smaller, ensuring that they no longer slow down your computer more than the things they’re supposed to protect you from do. Plus, antivirus protection packages no longer cost an arm and a leg, as according to some of the major reviews sites, the price is ranging from just £20 to £70. That is a huge change considering older versions of these same packages used to go for hundreds of pounds.
So, just how important is antivirus protection in 2018? Very, and so is being careful! By tackling the online world with a combination of wariness and antivirus protection, you have a high chance of remaining entirely virus free, which is by far the best way to be.
