Why Having an Antivirus Might Not Be Enough | Antivirus Software

Malware and viruses are more prevalent than ever, which is why it is very important these days to have anti-virus software. But the “threat landscape,” as security experts call it, is changing. The approach you take to protecting your identity and your data must change as well. Antivirus alone may not be enough.

Let's take a look at the shift that has taken place over the past two decades when we have moved from a world of desktops to a world where your home is home to multiple Internet-connected devices. This increased level of connectivity can make your life easier in many ways, but it also makes you more vulnerable, unless you take steps to minimize the risk.

4 Reasons Why You Need Antivirus Software & More

A decade ago, your computer was surely your only source of cyber risk. And antivirus software was an effective solution to protect you. Now, cybercriminals are using other avenues to hunt you down. For example :

1. Viruses and other types of malware, or malware, are more advanced. Crooks can use ransomware to lock down your computer or encrypt your files. They can also requisition your devices to mine virtual currencies, an attack called crypto-jacking.

2. There are more devices connected to the Internet today than ever before and criminals have taken note. They've engineered malware that can attack not only your PC, but also your smartphone, tablet, home router, and things you might not even consider to be at risk: a smart thermostat, a console. game or baby monitor.

3. When using your mobile devices outside of your home and connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, cybercriminals may be on those same networks. After all, passwords for public Wi-Fi networks aren't hard to find. With the right tools, criminals can monitor what you do online, including the forms you fill out and steal your personal information. With this information, they can steal your identity.

4. Identity theft can also occur as a result of one of the many data breaches reported by the press, events that keep increasing. Cybercriminals can make a fortune selling your identity on the Dark Web and providing access to more than just your financial resources and personal data.

If cybercriminals get their hands on personal data, such as your full name, address, and other such information, they can use it to open new bank accounts, seek tax breaks, and even get treatment. medical, all using your identity. As a victim of identity theft, it's up to you to face the consequences, which can hurt your credit history, finances, and more.

With new and evolving methods that cybercriminals are using to put your personal information at risk, it's time to consider other ways to protect themselves. This is called cybersecurity.

5 Aspects of Your Connected Life That Need Protection

Here are the five aspects of your online life that need protection, especially because of their connection to the Internet, and the protection options available to you:

1. Computers (PCs or laptops)

Antivirus Software is always a good means of protection. Virus and malware threats have evolved and their numbers have increased. For example, ransomware infections have increased year over year since 2013 and reached an all-time high of 1,271 detections per day in 2016, according to the Symantec Internet Security Threat Report.

Make sure security software is installed on all your computers and keep it up to date to protect against the latest known threats. 

2. Mobile devices (both smartphones and tablets)

Security software can also protect devices other than computers. As malware and other threats also target smartphones and tablets, it is a good idea to install protection on all of your mobile devices.

3. Connections to a public Wi-Fi network

If you pay bills, shop, check email, or share information on public Wi-Fi networks, be careful. Cybercriminals may be watching you and may steal your personal information. Maybe wait until you get home for these kinds of activities. If that's not possible, be sure to use a VPN or VPN. The VPN encrypts the data you send and receive over a public Wi-Fi network or even your home network.

4. Your identity

Almost all of us are connected to the Internet, whether through our computers, smartphones, and online accounts. So it makes sense that the information that makes up our identity is too. Think about how much of your information is "out there" that is no longer under your control.

In the event of a data breach involving a company you transact with, information like your full name and contact details can quickly end up in the hands of identity thieves. They can then use them to access your financial accounts, interfere with the calculation of your creditworthiness, etc.

5. Your home Wi-Fi network and connected devices

Adjusting your home thermostat from your phone or watching your tablet ringing the doorbell are just two of the many benefits of home automation. All of these amenities will only increase with the increasing availability of new connected devices. But this connectivity can come with risks if it is not secure. Indeed, it allows hackers to access your Wi-Fi network and the information you can share more easily.