Anti virus software helps protect computers and smart devices from malicious virus software.
Viruses affect computers and smart devices in the following ways.
They can:
1. Affect and slow down the performance of a computer or device leading to total shutdown at times
2. Lead to loss of important data and information by causing damage and impairment
3. Be used by hackers to gain access to private and sensitive personal and important business information and records on the computer or across the internet.
COMPUTERS AND DEVICES GET INFECTED BY VIRUSES THROUGH:
- Installing infected computer programs that spread viruses through the computer and subsequently the entire system.
- Sharing and opening information infected with viruses like software, images, emails and links
- Opening websites with viruses
- Booting a computer with infected devices connected to it
- Using very outdated versions of anti-virus software that cannot handle newer threats
- Keeping the anti-virus inactive on a computer risking threats and attacks.
HOW TO AVOID COMPUTER SOFTWARE VIRUS PROGRAMS
- Installing applications from only trustworthy source like Microsoft store and company original websites
- Scanning all documents and emails before opening them on a computer
- Only opening images, emails and videos from trustworthy sources
- Installing antivirus software on a computer to protect to from viral attacks.
- Using only safe and secure encrypted browsers like BING and CHROME
- Avoid booting a computer with USB, CD or other devices attached to it. Before a computer is fully booted, anti-virus is not yet activated and having an infected external drive can expose it to viral attack risk.
- Always perform regular deep scans of all files and applications on a computer using anti-virus software to sniff out all potential threats, remove viruses and keep the computer safe from attacks.
- Always update your anti-virus to the latest version with increased security features and more power to keep your computer safe.
- Always make sure that anti-virus is active and running as you use your computer device.
BEST ANTI VIRUS SOFTWARE PROGRAMMES TO PROTECT YOUR SECURITY ONLINE.
These are the best anti-virus software programs to protect your security online.
Malwarebytes offers cybersecurity, anti-virus, and business features for both individuals and businesses across all mobile and PC features. It is free to get started. The free version offers anti-virus scans and malware removal for both PC and mobile devices. Malwarebytes has both personal and business plans.
The personal plan starts at $3.75 per month for basic security which covers:
- malware protection
- Virus protection
- Ransomware protection
- Ad blocking
- Phishing protection
With an upgrade of the basic plan, you get more extra features at a very low cost like;
- High-speed VPN
- Choosing your own country
- anonymous browsing etc
The business plans/threat down has more advanced features to cover corporate cybersecurity needs. The plans start at $69 per endpoint year for 5 endpoints. You get more advanced features as you upgrade your subscription. Top features of the malwarebytes business plans include:
- Very advanced anti-virus
- Device control
- Incident response
- Advanced servers
- Numerous devices and users
- Ransomware rollback
- Custom pricing quotes etc
Kaspersky is one of the best antivirus software that offers a variety of cyber security and VPN services for home, businesses and enterprises across all devices and advice types at very affordable rates. Kaspersky has antivirus product categories for home, business and enterprise. Under each category is a further sub division of plans ie standard, plus and premium.
The standard plan starts at $38.49 per year for up to 3 devices and it includes:
- Anti-Virus, Anti-Malware and Anti-Ransomware Protection
- Existing Virus Removal
- Safe Web Browsing
- Anti-Phishing
- Performance Optimization
- Device Space Cleanup
- App Management
- Do Not Disturb Mode
- Stalkerware Detection
The Kaspersky plus plan starts at $52.99 per year while the Premium plan starts at $74.99 per year and these have more very advanced features and add-ons to further bolster your cyber security like:
- Hard disk drive Health Monitor
- Unlimited & Fast VPN
- Identity Protection Wallet
- Data Leak Checker
- Password Manager etc
All payments come with a 30-day back money guarantee. Business plans start at $160 per year and enterprise at $225 per year respectively for 5 users under one licence.
Conclusion.
With antivirus installed on a device, there is peace of mind that the computer is safe and free from harm by viruses and malicious software programs which can be catastrophic for businesses especially those doing e commerce that store sensitive customer information. Most anti-virus programs offer free versions to try and test out their software however it’s always better to get the premium version for extra protection and added benefits.
