We live in an age where cyber malware and attacks can ruin ones whose life in just a couple of seconds. This is the reason why every PC needs to be shielded with an active 24-7 working guard to protect the user’s data from hackers and malware. Antivirus software is specifically designed to serve this purpose.
In the simplest terms, antivirus software is like a guard for computer and its data. This software can spot, avert, and remove the threats of online viruses and such malware that can hack or damage your data or computer.
Amongst the viruses and malware, antivirus software attempts to prevent and remove computer worms, rootkits, botnets, spyware, and keyloggers. Such a software performs the task of scanning the PC for possible threats of the presence of any of these mentioned. If detected, the software also is responsible for removing those viruses from your computer to keep your data and system from being damaged.
There are a lot of antivirus systems available in various forms that can be installed easily by anyone with a few clicks. However, not all of the programs available are worth it. Some antiviruses are themselves a threat to the PCs and data, and much care is needed to choose one for yourself.
Most of the new and well-maintained antivirus programs now come with the automatic updates already. So, once a user gets the software installed, it keeps on updating itself automatically to cope up with the new types of virus’ emerging in the computers’ world every other day. This antivirus auto-update feature even sometimes allows the software to download and store new viruses. The purpose of downloading this type of infection is to make it permittable for the computer to keep itself up to date with the new kind of threats and keep itself away from such malware and bots.
How to choose the perfect antivirus software?
As mentioned earlier, not all antiviruses work the way you assume them to. Many times, people complain about their PCs’ performance going down or PCs getting destroyed after they installed an unknown antivirus they got for free. Choosing what program to entrust with your PC and data is indeed not an easy one. Here are four properties to consider antivirus software before installing it in your PC.
- Auto Sandbox Technology: This is a virtual service provided by an antivirus through separating and spinning the doubtful and unidentified files through a proper check. This is done to test these secret files for viruses and malware, and cleanse them if any such threat is detected.
- Default-Deny Protection: This protection is applied by some antiviruses to keep the infected files from entering the PC.
- Host Intrusion Protection System (HIPS): This is a protocol-based prevention system in an antivirus that dismisses all the malware related activities being detected.
- Containment Technology: This feature of an antivirus authenticates the executable programs and ensures a smooth and uninterrupted flow of computer processing.