7 Essential Benefits Of Antivirus Software

Antivirus is a data security utility to protect against malware (ex., viruses & ransomware) and internet security threats (ex., phishing & spam). An antivirus can also notify of potentially unwanted applications (PUAs), which can be equally damaging.

Though some experts increasingly say that modern operating systems hardly need 3rd-party antivirus–thanks to the in-built security measures, I would still subscribe to one, especially if I don’t keep my device updated all the time. Plus, external protection generally does well against cyber threats such as phishing and spam.

Another fact that convinced me to get a 3rd-party antivirus is the sheer scale of real-time cyberattacks! If you’re still not up for it, here are the complete set of benefits of having an antivirus.

1. Protection Against Malware

Malware protection is the number one perk of using an antivirus. By malware, I mean viruses, trojans, worms, rootkits, ransomware, spyware, keyloggers, adware, and more. An antivirus regularly scans system files and downloads for such malicious software.

Users get notified after each instance of malware detection, with an option to flag them for false reporting. An antivirus like Malwarebytes can detect and remove malware automatically in the background.

2. Internet Security

Good antivirus software provides internet security by providing extensions for major web browsers. Such extensions scan for webpages, downloads, emails, etc., for malicious files and attachments. It also secures online payments by alerting users of legit-looking but fake payment portals–a common technique used in phishing attacks.

Overall, the purpose of internet security is to ensure browser interactions with the rest of the World Wide Web remain safe.

3. Data Protection

A major advantage of having a potent antivirus is data security. Tool like Acronis True Image offer data protection to ensure data on your device remains safe even in the case of a hack.

Data protection plays a major role against spyware and ransomware. Such malware can leak out information to remotely stationed cybercriminals or block the user completely out of their systems until they pay the ransom. Antivirus software keeps an eye on all the files that are on your system. All those files are put under a scan to check for any peculiarity or maliciousness.

Besides, antivirus software also comes with customizable firewall rules. This is to keep an eye on internal & external connections, in addition to blocking or limiting apps using data extensively. 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.

4. Preventing Identity Theft

Identity theft or identity fraud is an act of impersonating someone based on the “captured” personal information from various techniques, including in-person observation or online phishing. The stolen personal data can include national IDs (ex., SSN), financial or health-related information (such as credit card numbers or medical records), or even credentials from social media accounts.

Antivirus tools help to prevent such unfortunate outcomes by keeping an eye on users’ activities and protecting against real-time threats, including replica websites, malicious attachments, and harmful links.

Most antivirus (ex, Avast One) also scans the dark web to notify users if their personal information is up for “sale.” Some even go further in helping victims with identity restoration and/or offer identity theft insurance.

5. Safeguarding Confidential Information

Modern antivirus tools aren’t just about malware protection. They offer additional security in the form of password managers (strong password management and autofill), virtual private networks (browsing web & public Wi-Fi anonymously and safely), dark web monitoring (checking for leaked credentials), encrypted cloud storage (everywhere accessible storage), and more.

Consequently, they help users in avoiding separate subscriptions for every tool and offer a one-in-all package.

6. Performance Optimization

Most antivirus tools I have used come with built-in performance tuning tools, such as finding unused system files, duplicates, registry issues, redundant apps, and more. Besides, some antivirus software (such as Kaspersky) offer specific operating modes for situations such as gaming, do not disturb, and low battery.

However, the biggest optimization benefit of antivirus software is that it flags extensive resource consumption or data mining by apps installed with or without user consent (e.g., cryptojacking). This enables a user to terminate malicious scripts as soon as they are discovered by their antivirus.

7. Peace of Mind

Cyber threats evolve as we speak of them. So, it gives an edge, however small, to the user over those relying on standard protection. And as already mentioned, most antivirus tools club additional security software, reducing the overall cost and improving user experience.

How to Choose the Right Antivirus Software?

The market is flooded with security products with similar-sounding features and price points. It makes choosing the perfect antivirus software for any use case complicated. Still, here are a few pointers to keep in mind while shopping for an antivirus.

Ease of Use: An antivirus can have everything, but a sleek user interface ensures those features are put to good use. And thankfully, major antivirus software offers free trials or free versions, allowing trying before buying.

Malware Protection: The best way to judge the malware potency of a specific antivirus is by relying on independent testing labs, such as AV-Comparatives or AV-Test. Users of any expertise can check those results for their operating systems and choose the best antivirus.

False Positives: It’s when an antivirus block a certain application or process, suspecting harm when there isn’t any. Antivirus software with a high number of false positives can be very annoying in blocking legitimate applications and interfering in routine computing.

Unfortunately, there is no sure-shot way to predict this behavior; I suggest checking with independent tests (like in the above👆 image) and user feedback on public forums like Reddit.

Extra Features: This is totally optional, but a package deal (including a password manager, cloud storage, VPN, etc.) will suit most users, barring power users. Additionally, antivirus offering built-in PC cleaning and performance optimization can help someone already using such tools in reducing the total number of installs.

Compatibility: The antivirus should be compatible with the device’s operating system. Better, it should be available for all of your (and family) devices.

Reputation: In addition to expert ratings, ask your peers about which antivirus they are using. Besides, search through Reddit, Quora, G2, Trustpilot, or even social media pages of antivirus companies to get the vibes about customer support and the overall user experience.

What are the Popular Antivirus Software?

There are many premium antivirus software, Avast One, Bitdefender, Malwarebytes and McAfee are top picks. The below comparison table will help you to pick one based on needs and budgets.

Do I Need Antivirus for Mac?

MacOS comes with robust in-built malware protection in the form of Gatekeeper and XProtect. Gatekeeper ensures every download is either from the App store or from a verified 3rd party developer and notarized by Apple. This ensures the installations remain free of malicious attachments. Besides, the Gatekeeper asks for user consent before executing any file for the first time.

XProtect, on the other hand, functions a lot like a traditional malware removal tool. It’s a non-stop, routinely updated safety net to catch unwarranted changes in any application after the Gatekeeper-approved installation. XProtect blocks suspicious software upon detection and notifies users, allowing them to trash or keep them at their own discretion.

With inbuilt Apple security, a user is very well covered for on-device security, and I would not prescribe installing a 3rd-party antivirus. Still, internet security is a different domain altogether. And if someone isn’t vigilant or internet-educated enough, installing macOS security software can be helpful.

Is There Any Free Antivirus Available?

Yeah, there are free antivirus available, such as Avira, Comodo, Total AV, and more. But beware, as “free” might have limitations, including basic features, ads, or worse–data sharing.

Consequently, it’s best to rely on the default, in-built security than going for free antivirus software. All modern OS ship with more than decent native protection covering device security. For more, one should consider subscribing to premium antivirus.