Anti-Virus: What Is It and Why You Need It
Today, over 60,000 new pieces of malware were created…
We spend over half of our time accessing the Internet from a multitude of devices. Whether you use a computer, smartphone, or tablet for your personal use, or you own a business that relies heavily on the Internet, remember that the Internet is not always safe.
In fact, advertisers, hackers, and fraudsters are using our reliance on the Internet to their advantage. Computer viruses are not new, but they are still just as prominent and dangerous. They are programmed to cause damage to your computer or system by preventing you from accessing your data, allowing for private data to be stolen, or allowing your computer to be controlled.
By understanding what computer viruses are and what they can do, you can be fully prepared to fight back!
Types of Malicious Software
Malicious software and malware are often synonymous terms. Malicious software is any malicious program that causes harm to a computer system or network. This software attacks in the form of viruses, adware, spyware, trojans, or worms.
The goal of the malware software is to target, through unlawful tasks, the robbing of protected data, deleting of confidential documents, or adding software without the user’s consent.
Here are the most common types of malware:
Virus
Just like a real biological virus, a computer virus is meant to spread from one program to another. These are extremely hard to detect.
Adware
Adware is usually found in the form of pop up ads. In most cases, there is usually a need for your cooperation to get into your system. Due to the nature of the pop-ups, adware is usually more annoying than harmful.
Spyware
Spyware can be extremely malicious. It is designed to steal personal data, such as passwords, addresses, and bank information.
Trojan Horse
Named after the Greek myth of the Trojan horse, a trojan is a computer virus, which is inserted into what is thought to be a legitimate program or system. It then takes control of your computer.
Worms
Just like real live worms, a computer worm will keep replicating itself in your computer’s system until there is no space left, or your computer or system crashes.
Advertisers, hackers, and fraudsters are using our reliance on the Internet to their advantage.
What Does Anti-virus Software Do?
No one wants malware on their computer! Thankfully, anti-virus software has been created and developed to combat and fight off malicious software. Many companies build and sell anti-virus software, but overall, they perform the same essential functions:
- Show you the “health” of your computer
- Scan and identify specific files for malware or known malicious patterns
- Remove any malicious code that is detected by destroying or isolating them
- Protect your computer or system from getting infected
Not all anti-virus software can detect all types of malicious codes, as over 60,000 new pieces of malware are created daily! This is why it is important to have the best anti-virus software installed to safeguard against cyber-attacks. At IT Resources we will work with you to proactively keep your computer system safe!
Do I Really Need Anti-virus Software?
Short answer: yes. Think of anti-virus software as a vaccine. Just as there are different diseases a vaccine is hoping to prevent, anti-virus software is designed to prevent different malware from harming your computer. Without ant-virus software protection programs, your computer and system can be bombarded and infected within minutes of connecting to the Internet.
Additionally, the hacksters and fraudsters who are responsible for designing the malware are constantly updating and changing malware—over thousands of times a day—to avoid detection by older, out of date anti-virus software.
As technology advances, so does the malware, and it may seem at times that avoiding malicious software is impossible, that is why it is crucial to have an anti-virus software program. The security issues and dangers of malware are too serious to ignore and avoid.
Over 60,000 new pieces of malware are created daily! This is why it is important to have the best anti-virus software installed to safeguard against cyber-attacks.
IT Resources Will Protect Your Data
No computer or system should go unprotected. At IT Resources, our Tampa, FL IT specialists are experts in computer malware and are committed to protecting your computer, system, and data. We provide anti-virus software programs, maintenance plans, and provide disaster backups that will keep your business safe and secure.
Learn more about our anti-virus protection plans and what our remote IT team can offer your business, call us at (813) 908-8080
