Do you still need antivirus software on your devices? Not really, say the experts

The intensity and frequency of virus and malware attacks on your smartphone and computer systems may increase, but researchers believe that none of us really need to pay for any of these services..

Most modern computers, Windows and Apple, have built-in protection against software viruses. Paid antivirus software offers a host of additional features like personal data leaks, VPN connectivity, and some sort of password registry. Examples include Avast, Norton, McAfee among many others. Although they may look like add-ons, these features are also available online for free.

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Digital threats have evolved

The problem is, the biggest threats in the online world don’t come from viruses anymore, especially not the way we understood them 10 years ago, when antivirus software was the norm on every computer..

In a conversation with NBC News, experts pointed out how good the built-in antivirus mechanisms on Windows, Apple and Android computers, iPhone smartphones are to get the job done. For an extra layer of protection, an antivirus doesn’t sound too bad. But this is simply no longer necessary.

By keeping your devices up to date, you are already protecting yourself and your data. Regarding Windows, Simon Edwards, who founded SE Labs, told NBC that Microsoft Defender does the job of preventing viruses as effectively as any paid software.

Read also : Hackers tricked 300,000 Android users into stealing passwords: here’s how

Edwards added that most companies, including Apple and Microsoft, send updates to their users for the same reason: to protect the entire operating system ecosystem from virus and malware attacks.

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According to a Security.org survey, around 45 million households still pay for antivirus software, something even governments are warning against. For example, the UK government is urging people not to buy anti-virus software for their phones unless they tend to click on suspicious links or install programs through third-party stores, in which case everyone should have a robust antivirus mechanism.

Hackers adapt

Instead of attacking your devices, hackers now want to access your email, social media accounts, and bank credentials. According to Harlo Holmes, chief information security officer at the Freedom of the Press Foundation, there are some tips to keep in mind.

For starters, using a combination of multiple words for passwords is a good habit. Automated programs cannot guess passwords that are longer and have more than one type of character. Holmes also suggests enabling two-factor authentication for all accounts, which adds an additional layer of personalized security. Your best bet is to use an app like Google Authenticator instead of a text message for the same.

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Read also : Apple to notify iPhone users when they are the target of a state sponsored hack

Ultimately, you don’t need to pay for antivirus software if you exercise enough caution online and follow basic security precautions. If you don’t, it’s probably still a good idea to keep paying for a service.

Are you still paying for an antivirus subscription? Let us know in the comments below. To learn more about the world of tech and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

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Collier, K. (2021, December 1). Still paying for antivirus software? Experts say you probably don’t need it. NBC News.