Antivirus: Programs Against Dangerous Malware

You should keep this in mind with an antivirus program

Anyone who surfs the Internet checks emails or uses apps with their computer, notebook, or smartphone should have an antivirus program. After all, regardless of the operating system or brand, there is always the risk of computer viruses or other malware being loaded onto the device. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about antivirus programs and gives practical tips for everyday use on how you can actively protect yourself against malware.

How Does an Antivirus Work? 

An antivirus program has various mechanisms to protect your PC from viruses. First, the software must be installed on your computer. If you use antivirus for your smartphone, it's an app. 

The main task of the antivirus program is to detect malware. For this, the program needs the latest "definitions" or "signatures" of known viruses. These are regularly downloaded by the virus program from the manufacturer's server.  

After that, an antivirus program works like the police in a manhunt.  

The antivirus software processes the suspicious file in what is known as a “sandbox”, ie in an area that is completely separated from the other files on your computer. To make it easier to understand: This work is comparable to work in the laboratory when employees examine dangerous viruses in a sealed-off area in protective suits.  

Both techniques, the detection of malicious code and behavioral patterns, are used continuously by antivirus programs, depending on the manufacturer and product. Then there are so-called "real-time scanners", also known as virus scanners with real-time protection. If the antivirus program mainly monitors your Internet connection, it is also referred to as "online scanner". A thorough scan of your computer files for malware is known as a "manual scan".

Paid or Free Antivirus: Advantages and Disadvantages

When it comes to antivirus, consumers have the choice between using free software or buying or subscribing to an antivirus program. Here are the advantages and disadvantages: 

·         Free Antivirus Programs 

You can find these virus protection programs from very different providers, e.g. the free virus scanner from Virustotal, Microsoft Security Essentials (now Microsoft Defender) or the IObit Malware Fighter 7, whose database has been expanded for even faster updates. For example, some companies offer a free basic version that you have to "upgrade" to get the full range of functions. If you choose a free virus protection program, it is best to always download it directly from the manufacturer's website for security reasons.  

Benefits	Disadvantage
You don't pay any money to use it.  Many free programs offer basic protection.	“Free” is not a program on the Internet. Most "free antivirus programs" store large amounts of data.  Free antivirus protection usually offers few functions. You will have to pay for more performance anyway.   There is a risk that not all current virus definitions will be loaded automatically. The virus scanner can then not protect your devices from the latest threats or ward off malware.

• Paid Antivirus Programs 

Protection programs for virus protection are available for download on the respective manufacturer's website. Only a few manufacturers still work with CD-Rom or DVD from which you install the program. Depending on the provider, you can buy the antivirus program for one or more computers. Usually, it is a one-year license that is automatically renewed if you do not cancel beforehand.  

Benefits	Disadvantage
You Get the Latest Technology from The Manufacturer.   You can use the full range of functions of the program, eg real-time protection or protection against ransomware and spyware   You usually have the option of calling support if you have any questions.	If you do not pay attention, the subscription for IT security is automatically renewed.   If you don't know your way around, you can inadvertently book functions that you don't even need.

Why an Antivirus Always Makes Sense 

Basically, an antivirus program never offers 100 percent protection and security against malware or attacks by hackers. The manufacturers are continuously working on improvements. But mostly it is like the famous fable of the rabbit and the hedgehog: Whenever the manufacturers discover new viruses and upgrade the software, there are new virus definitions on the Internet.  

However, with modern antivirus software, you are protected from the most common computer malware. Even with the free programs, solid protection of your PC or smartphone is possible, e.g. with Windows Defender.

Conclusion: Virus Protection Is Simply Part of It

Whether you use free antivirus software or for a fee, you must protect your devices in the first place. This applies regardless of whether you only go online occasionally or surf the Internet regularly.