Internet Virus Protection and Anti-Virus Explained
Every device connected to the internet is potentially vulnerable to an online security breach. So, in this age of digitization protecting yourself and your device against malicious attacks is crucial.
But what is internet virus protection and what are anti-virus programs?
Anti-virus software is a program designed to detect, prevent, and remove viruses and worms. It also protects your device against malware and stops outside sources hacking into your device. Antivirus protection is essential, given the range of constantly evolving cyber threats.
Internet virus protection or internet security is the term used for a full package of anti-virus security. This includes hacking, where unauthorized users gain access to computer systems, email accounts or websites; viruses and malware, which damage data or make the device vulnerable to other threats; and identity theft, where hackers steal personal details such as credit card numbers and bank account information. You can protect your device and yourself from these threats with strong internet security.
A device without a security suite is vulnerable to several attacks, hacks, and fraud opportunities the internet has lurking in its shadows. However, an internet security suite can help protect you against it, but should not be used as a standalone wall against the big bad web. The security suite should be used with an up-to-date system, updated files, and careful internet browsing. A combination of these things will keep your online life safe and secure.
What does an Internet Virus Protection Suite do?
Here are the major areas in which an internet security suite would protect you.
Malware
Malware is also known as malicious software that includes viruses, worms, and Trojans. Malware refers to software programs intended to damage or trick your device.
Viruses – are the most common category of malware. They destroy the device’s hard drive by deleting files, programs, and software.
Trojan horse – is a software program that looks like a regular file but inside houses a torrent of viruses and spyware. These programs tend to hide in harmless-looking files like games and other software. Once the files are downloaded the horse is free and the files get out running amok on your device.
Worm – is a type of replicating virus. It buries deep into your hard drive and replicates itself n number of times to eventually fill up the memory of your device and slows it down or even stops it from working.
Spyware is a form of malware that acts as a spy on your device. It gathers data from your device without you knowing. The information it seeks can include anything from card information to keystrokes, passwords and even your location.
Phishing – is an attempt to lure users into disclosing some of their important information. Scammers have been known to replicate official banks, credit cards, and brand emails. They then send out emails to unknowing customers asking to update certain details or say that you have won a lottery and to get the winning amount, fill in the details. Once the customer enters the details, the fraudsters have all the security information they need to hack your account. They trick victims into clicking on malicious links, visit malicious websites, or download malicious attachments.
Spam – is an unsolicited or irrelevant content you never signed up for. Often these spam emails and messages can contain spyware. Anti-spam programs block out known spam addresses and have options for manually setting trash bins for your spam emails.
Unsecure Web Browsing
It is not only phishing emails that lure users into visiting malicious websites, but innocent web browsing can also. Malicious websites look like legitimate sites that try to install any number of different types of malware by getting you to install software that your device seems to need. Also, the device can be infected by just visiting the malicious site.
To keep your web browser and operating system current, browser protection extensions, and unwanted software blockers are the best protection against malicious websites. However, as with any cyber threat, cybersecurity awareness is the key and you should always be cautious before opening emails suspicious emails or visiting websites with odd URLs.
Rootkits
It is a program or collection of programs that secretly sit on a compromised device and provide unauthorized access and control of the hardware and software to hackers. Rootkits are difficult to detect and go unnoticed for years as their principal function is to hide and protect their and other malware existence, which they often do by shutting down antivirus software.
Comprehensive, advanced antivirus software blockers are the best defense against rootkits. Also, ensure your operating software and antivirus software is always current and has the latest security patches. Keep your device internet virus protected using the current antivirus software.
