Guide to Help You Find Everything You Need to Know About Anti Virus
Cyber threats abound in today’s digital age.
From multi-billion global corporations to small home-based businesses, no one is spared.
Luckily, there are layers of protection you can take advantage of, including the use of antivirus software.
With antivirus protection, it’s possible to detect, deflect, and remove malware that can infiltrate business systems. Furthermore, it can protect valuable data and prevent business disruptions. Even better, it helps businesses enjoy financial savings and minimize legal consequences.
Who Needs an Antivirus Program?
Everyone is at risk online.
Hence, everyone needs an antivirus program. It’s not only for individual users but also for businesses.
More so, its use is not only exclusive to large companies. Even small businesses are at risk of cybersecurity threats, making it essential to use antivirus software.
How Does an Antivirus Program Work?
It works by scanning files or codes a computer or similar device receives. During this transmission, the software compares the files and codes to their database.
Upon detection, the program flags and removes the virus.
In some cases, cybercriminals will alter the code running the virus to make it undetectable. As such, antivirus programs can identify similarities to prevent threats from viruses.
Biggest Players in the Market
Some of the best antivirus programs currently available in the market are:
- Norton
- F-Secure
- McAfee
- Avira
What is a VPN? Do I Need it?
Aside from an antivirus program, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can also help businesses in this digital age.
In a nutshell, a VPN offers protection when using public networks. It encrypts a tunnel which data passes through. More so, it hides your online identity, including your IP address.
Benefits of VPN for Businesses
There are plenty of reasons why businesses should use a VPN, including the following:
- Improve Security: Using a VPN creates a secure network. In turn, it can protect business information. It’s especially helpful when businesses have employees who often travel or use public Wi-Fi.
- Protect Business Reputation: By improving security, businesses can build a better reputation. In turn, it can translate to better sales.
- Comply with Regulations: Depending on where you live, using a VPN can also help ensure regulatory compliance.
- Access Global Content: A VPN allows businesses to access content regardless of their true location.
Cybersecurity Threats That Confront Businesses
Using antivirus and VPN can be helpful in preventing cybersecurity attacks, including the following:
- Malware: It’s an invasive code or software that can damage computer systems. The term is a shorthand for malicious software.
- Phishing: This is an attack that happens when someone sends an email or text message that contains a malicious file.
- Virus: It’s a type of malware that attaches to a document or file and spreads from one device to another.
- DDoS: This attack is an attempt to flood and overwhelm web servers.
History of Antivirus
It was in the 1980s when antivirus programs took centre stage. The removal of the in-the-wild computer virus in 1987 was the first of its kind. It was the work of Berd Fix, a German computer security expert.
After such, different companies were active in developing and introducing antivirus programs. McAfee was among the first ones to do so with a software called VirusScan.
Through the years, there were more changes in the industry as the threats also became more prominent. Nonetheless, it was in the 2000s when most of the new features were introduced. To this day, antivirus programs continue to evolve.
Business That is Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks
Cyber threats affect all businesses, However, some are more vulnerable than others. Hence, those in the industries in the list below must be more cautious.
- Financial services
- Healthcare
- Education
- Government