Since the pandemic started, more companies switched from office working to a home-based solution, resulting in the highest number of cyberattacks. The devices you’re using at home are more prone to security threats because they’re not protected with special software to ensure security. But devices are not the only ones causing these attacks. Certain websites, links and downloadable documents are designed to be trustworthy and deceive people into giving their most important information. If you want to be as protected as possible from data breaches, you might consider getting antivirus software―here’s why!
Protects your data
You already know that you can store your data in more than one way, traditionally or cloud-based, meaning that you either have information on your device or use online programs to keep your most important files. Neither one of them is safer when it comes to cyberattacks because hackers are able to get into your device and control it or guess your app’s passwords and break into them. These are called data breaches, and information can be stolen through these processes. Antivirus software can protect you against the most common security threats, like:
- Phishing, where you’d get a message designed to trick you into downloading certain files that will reveal sensitive information to the hacker. From 2017 until now, this phenomenon has increased by 14% among businesses.
- Malware penetrates any network and is harder to identify because you’re not getting any sign of a breach, but it grants access to predators from any device. Therefore, constant scanning through antivirus software could prevent that.
- Viruses are attaching themselves to documents and files, causing issues in your system’s operation ability. Even if they are a subgroup of malware, they are as dangerous because the virus won’t run until the corrupted file is opened.
Ensure protection on all your devices
If you have important data on all your devices, be it a computer, laptop, mobile or tablet, an antivirus will protect you from digital threats such as ransomware, malware, viruses, trojans and hackers. For example, Norton automatically updates its software and outdated devices to ensure the latest protection against common cyberattacks.
Most issues also occur when using unsecured public or home Wi-Fi networks. On top of that, downloading free apps that are not reliable can also expose you to cyberattacks. Having 2GO Software is an excellent solution for securing your digital information and benefits from legitimate licence keys on the most important software systems.
Remember that most web-based attacks are still a challenge for most users because they can occur on every device connected to an internet network. You could get a phishing scam on your phone and not suspect anything because they operate through hidden secure sources. Therefore, it would be best to have backup protection.
Enhances web protection
While browsing the internet, you’ll eventually get to malicious websites, but if you don’t have a program to warn you, you’re at risk of data exchange and malware infection on your device. As technology evolves and you get to experience more advanced solutions and devices, so do the hacker’s technologies of breaking into your accounts.
How can an antivirus protect your web experience? Through filtering and isolation systems. A filtering solution protects devices connected by preventing data loss, meaning that it scans malicious web codes and harmful URLs. As a result, malicious websites won’t appear in your search results. Filtering also means preventing web-based viruses and malware from downloading on your devices.
On the other hand, isolation systems separate your online activity in a secure environment away from your local network. That doesn’t mean you’ll have a different browsing experience, just that any malicious webpages or downloads will be isolated from your local system. Therefore, antivirus can warn you before entering a malicious web address to keep you away from risking your data to be compromised.
It’s cost-effective
If you’re not sure it would be good to purchase such software because you’re on a budget, rest assured because these technologies have become accessible to anyone. By providing monthly or yearly packages, you can benefit from inexpensive costs to ensure total protection on your devices.
The cost of losing your data or money out of your credit cards is more upsetting than having to upgrade your yearly plan. Premium antivirus tools provide a broad range of services, like blocking webcam hacks, preventing hackers from controlling your computer and automatically updating outdated apps that are more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
There are many hidden costs of these security weaknesses, especially for businesses. For example, due to a data breach, a company could experience damages to the IT infrastructure, declined revenue and lose customer confidence.
Secures passwords
Passwords are more important than you’d think. Just because you didn’t experience a cyberattack until now doesn’t mean you don’t need protection. Using basic words as passwords makes you more vulnerable to data breaches caused by malware, like the “Dictionary attack.” In this system, hackers have included common terms that you might’ve used in the past for your passwords, like birthplace or your pet’s name. That’s why almost any website will encourage you to make your password as difficult to guess as possible, using random combinations of letters, numbers and symbols.
To avoid this kind of attack, never use simple words to complete your password regarding the site you’re creating an account on, even if you think that you’ll forget them if they are too complicated. Still, you can have a password manager to automatically generate and save complex passwords as a solution for those issues. Or, if your devices contain essential information and files, you could invest in antivirus software that protects you by detecting real-time threats.
In conclusion, you must keep yourself protected when surfing the internet. Otherwise, you might get your data stolen or even transfer viruses to your friends and family. Being up to date with the latest cyberattack technologies and methods will keep you safe from falling into a trap. Still, you also need to protect all your digital devices to ensure data security and safe surfing on the internet.