Do we still need an Antivirus software?
To be clear: antivirus software is not a trick with no real benefit behind it. Although many people don't want to pay for antivirus software, there are still a few reasons to consider it:
You need more help with security: Some antivirus programs offer additional security features that go beyond the scope of traditional virus scanning. For example, Avast can monitor webcam usage and allow you to block untrusted apps from recording videos, and it can also alert you if one of your online passwords is affected by a security breach. (Many premium AV suites now also offer identity protection features.)
You're looking for a package: In addition to additional security features, some antivirus programs offer tools that you might otherwise purchase separately. Norton 360 Deluxe, for example, includes its own password manager and cloud storage service. Avast Ultimate Suite, Kaspersky Plus or Bitdefender Premium have a built-in VPN and a temporary file cleaner.
You want more protection: Some third-party tools offer additional protection methods that aren't built into Windows. AVG's Behavior Shield, for example, can check for malicious behavior patterns even if no virus has been detected, while Avast Premium Security has ransomware protection that prevents apps from encrypting your files without permission (Windows also offers this, but not by default). Secure file deletion, browser protection, and other helpful features are also available in many premium security packages. Antivirus suites usually also offer protection for mobile devices and PCs.
However, all of these additional features can bloat your computer, slow down performance, and get in your way, and they may not even be the best tools for the job. I'd much rather use a dedicated password manager than one bundled with antivirus software, and if I needed a VPN, I'd want to choose the provider myself. Still, an all-in-one solution is particularly attractive for people who don't want to deal with a mix of programs, and modern antivirus suites offer just that.
While additional antivirus software was essential in the early days of personal computing, today it is just one potential tool in the broader security arsenal, which should also include strong passwords, two-factor authentication, robust data backups, and a healthy dose of common sense. At least the experts seem to completely agree on this.
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