To discuss the benefits of anti-virus software, we must first know what an anti-virus is.
Anti-virus is software that can be classified as a data security utility. It’s installed in a computer system with a purpose of protecting from viruses, spyware, malware, rootkits, Trojans, phishing attacks, spam attacks, and other online cyber threats that can attack a vulnerable system.
So, what is a computer virus? It’s like a biological one in that it can self-replicate and spread. It performs unwanted and malicious actions that end up affecting the system’s performance and user’s data/files.
Then what is an anti-virus?
An antivirus software, as the name indicates, is a program that inoculates against a virus. It detects or recognizes the virus, and then after detecting its presence, works on removing it from the system. Antivirus software works as a prophylactic so that it not only eliminates a virus but also prevents any potential virus from infecting your computer in the future.
So, then the question is asked: Why do you need an antivirus?
If the above wasn’t self-explanatory, a system without an antivirus is akin to a house with an open door. An open and unprotected door will attract all the intruders and burglars into your home. Similarly, an unprotected computer will end up inviting all the viruses to the system. An antivirus will act as a closed door with a security guard for your computer fending off all the malicious intruding viruses.
What harm can a virus do to your computer?
In case your computer is attacked by a virus, it can affect your computer in the following ways:
1. Slows down your machine
2. Damage or deletes files
3. May reformat your hard disk, making it unusable
4. Frequently crash your computer
5. Loss of data
6. Inability to perform any task on the computer or the internet
Anti-virus software is a godsend for vulnerable computer systems. The number of advantages that they offer are countless. Some of the most prominent advantages are:
1. Protects from the effects of the virus and their transmission
An antivirus software mainly performs a prophylactic function. It detects any potential virus and then works to remove it. Keep in mind that all this is mostly done before the virus gets to harm the system. So, this means that most of the viruses are countered way before they get to do any harm to your systems. An antivirus may combat many viruses in a single day without your knowledge. Bitdefender and Trend micro are some of the most popular antivirus software that is available in the market these days.
If a virus has attacked your system, you can potentially transfer that to your friends, family, and networks. So, if you want to protect your computer system as well as computers of your acquaintances, then consider getting an antivirus.
2. Blocks spam and unwanted adverts
If you do a quick survey on how viruses enter the computer systems of its victims, you will be amazed by the proportion of viruses that use pop up ads and websites to make their way into your computers. Pop-up ads and spam websites are one the most used gateways by the viruses to infect your computer and then damage your files.
Software such as Bitdefender works against these malicious virus-containing ads and websites by blocking their direct access to your computer network.
3. Defence against hackers
Hackers usually use a malware or virus program to access their victim’s computer. They install malware into the computer without their victim ever knowing most of the time. Hackers do so by sending malicious emails to the victims, which can hide infectious code within. Then the hacker can easily hack into their desired files and programs.
After that, they can use the victim’s data as per their will; they can delete or damage it and steal it to demand ransom later. Anti-malware such as Bitdefender can perform regular scans to detect the presence of any hacker or hacking based programs in the computer network; providing protection against hackers.
4. Protects your data and files from prying eyes
Antivirus software keeps an eye on all the files that enter your system. All those files are scanned to check for any peculiarity or maliciousness. Viruses can easily be transmitted to your network via infected files, and these, in turn, can potentially harm your system. You may even suffer the complete loss of your precious data at the hands of such viruses. Trend Micro is one of the products that offers which can prevent such a thing.
5. Firewall protection from spyware and other attacks
A firewall, in general, monitors incoming and outgoing traffic from your computer network. When coupled with antivirus, firewall protection double checks every file or piece of data that you send or transfer from your computer via the internet to another network.
The same goes for the files and data that you receive from an external network. You can unintentionally open a malicious website or email and then fall prey to some sort of attack. One such attack is a phishing attack, which occurs when the attackers specifically aim for your login credentials, credit card information, or any other personal information/data. Such an attack can result in substantial financial loss or personal leaks unless precautions are put into place.
6. Limiting access to dangerous sites
Accessing unauthorized websites can expose your computer system to several cyber threats, including spyware, hackers, ransomware, etc. These threats can potentially risk your data and files. An anti-virus software can flag these websites and prevent access to them for your protection, filtering safe websites through your browser.
7. It’s cost effective
Anti-virus software is quite cost-effective for all it does. The monthly or yearly packages that anti-virus software companies offer are inexpensive. If you consider the variety of services that come with the premium package of the antivirus, you’re saving an untold amount of pounds from all the damage that could potentially occur without them.
Knowing all this, why not guarantee your PC’s protection with Plum today.
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