It’s 2020 – Do We Still Need Antivirus Software?

2020 could not have gotten off to a shakier start. We have faced fears of another World War, lost beloved role models, and now are contending with a global pandemic. The world is a very different place to what it was a few weeks ago, let alone some years back.

Obviously, technological changes have been the most clear-cut drivers of the past decades of progress. The way we use computers has changed, and security today means something entirely new. I’m not surprised that most people feel the only antivirus necessary is a physical vaccine.

The truth is that the kind of antivirus software we had two decades ago is obsolete in this day and age. We’re not worried about the same kind of malicious software landing up on our computers. Our computers can handle that kind of software, anyway.

Rather, most of today’s security concerns are to do with privacy. We use the internet for everything, and it is not too difficult for hackers to steal all our information and even our identities. VPNs go a long way to dealing with these concerns, but does that make antivirus software unnecessary?

If you are looking for the best free antivirus software, you need to know why it is even useful. Here is what you should expect from antivirus software in 2020.

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Beware Of Malware

The viruses of yesteryear that were designed to infiltrate your computer and cause havoc are not what we are worried about. On the contrary, today antivirus software aims at protecting you from malware. Malware is software designed to gain access to your computer system. It then provides its maker with all of your secret info, including every little thing you do when you think you are on your own.

Malware can lead to serious damage to your finances, reputation, and overall sense of security. Antivirus software can protect you from malware, and therefore, in theory, provides a crucial service.

However, the question these days is really whether independent software is necessary. Don’t operating systems come with their own internal antivirus software that keeps your computer safe more effectively than other options?

Apple Devices

For over a decade, Apple has claimed that users of its devices do not need antivirus software. By using a closed system, they control what you can and cannot do on your device. Their security only has to deal with the threats associated with their basic features. Of course, if you “jailbreak” your device, this no longer holds true, but in that case you are giving up the inherent security for other benefits.

Experts have challenged Apple’s claims, saying that it is only prudent to use antivirus software on a Mac. However, the vast majority of Mac users over the past decade have never encountered a problem in this regard. It is possible that some things slip through the cracks, but major damage is unlikely.

Nonetheless, some users will appreciate the extra security antivirus software provides. What about Windows computers? They don’t have the same closed approach as Apple. Can you trust them without antivirus software?

Windows Devices

Computers using Windows as their operating system have not had the same level of protection inherent to Apple devices. On the contrary, viruses have been far more common and can get past Windows own software.

However, Windows has gotten much better at protecting its users. In 2020, there is no longer a sense that malware is inevitable without independent antivirus software. They have done a great job at building in secure settings and software.

That said, Windows computers are still vulnerable to threats that malware poses. While Microsoft’s own software will catch most intruders, it is not foolproof. It is prudent to go with one of the stalwarts in the antivirus field to ensure you are fully protected.

Reasons For Prudence

The truth is that many users are happy to simply trust the companies that make their devices. They assume that the chances of anything getting through are small, so why spend money or time on software that adds another layer of protection?

But this approach fails to take into account just how much is at risk. If you have expensive jewelry in your home, you probably won’t just trust the fact that the doors and windows are locked. You will add layer upon layer of security. When it comes to your data, the value at risk is much higher than the price of any piece of jewelry. Your identity could be stolen, and if you do work on your computer, your company could be targeted.

It is only prudent to use antivirus software, even if it is a layer of security that may never become necessary. When dealing with the sum total of your data, rather be too careful than risk losing everything.

If you are interested in even more technology-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.

IMAGE: PEXELS