At present, our computer operating systems seem perfectly protected from the outside breaches. Either it is Windows, Linux, or other OS of your choice, there is an in-built protector or firewall that prevents hackers from attacking your system. Thus, why do antivirus companies exist? An uneasy answer to this question is – nothing is perfect, and, therefore, OS is not an exception. Apart from the protected systems, users equally engage in dangerous or harmful behaviors that cause malware in your system. The following material aims to show that careful behavior and external antivirus can give your system more protection than a regular in-built caution button.
Table of Contents
Why is Windows Defender not enough?
Among other operational systems, Windows Defender is best-known. As Windows is most frequently used worldwide, the issue is observed within its framework. As more and more people tend to work from home, the security of their system raises anew. So why do we need so many antiviruses in the world, where Windows have their protection tools? The bad news is that Windows Defender is not enough. To understand why, take a look into windows defender vs bitdefender. While its basic protection is solid, it does not provide sufficient protection from hacking attacks or encrypt crucial data that is sent to the web. According to AV-Comparatives 2017 survey, Windows Defender is unable to outrun antivirus software in protection, usability, and performance. A similar situation is in software markets or safety tools such as Play Protect. Overall, it suits the basic home edition of Windows yet remains insufficient for such builds as Professional and Enterprise. Thus, the research offers only to use it as an initial step into further security establishment and not to entrust all your activities into WD. Therefore, antivirus companies are not just big industries unwilling to lose their profits and flooding the market with their products. The reliance on them is justified and should be considered while building your own secure home network.
How to make network environment safer
The domestic network environment is crucial for 2021. As people prefer staying home and moving their businesses online, the security of your network is a vital issue. A responsible user should not only tune their Windows to fit within security standards but also opt for certain safe behaviors to avoid compromising their data. The following two groups of safe habits are crucial for making your system more stable and safer in the face of hacking attacks:
1. User’s safety habits.
a. Watch out for open WiFi networks. Public WiFi networks are frequently used by hackers to intercept sensible data. Thus, if you travel a lot, such networks should be used rarely or limited through virtual private networks (VPNs). Overall, such hotspots are dangerous as used by many people daily, so there is no guarantee that your traffic is not tracked or recorded. Your domestic WiFi should have a strong password as well.
b. Be cautious with the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT has become a frequent concern ground as it makes you vulnerable to malicious software. Such instruments as GPS, maps, Bluetooth, or even Cortana can be compromised or make your data vulnerable. You can learn how to permanently switch off Cortana here and further limit its use within IoT. Switch off Bluetooth that unites your devices if you do not use it anymore. Otherwise, no safety is guaranteed as your interlinked devices become visible elsewhere.
c. Do not open suspicious installations and mails. As we surf the web, many third-party installations are observed. Stay cautious and download programs only from their developers’ sites. Otherwise, Backdoor Trojans or identity thieves may enter your system without WD spotting it. Moreover, stay cautious of the permissions you give to these installations. Additionally, do not open suspicious links and watch over the updates of your spam filter.
More VPN guides can be found here internetprivatsphare and privacyenbescherming.
2. Install third-party software.
a. Choose antivirus. As we can see, WD is not very efficient in the face of contemporary malware and spyware. Malware or adware are smaller threats to your system’s security, yet they become annoying and distracting in the long run. Additionally, WD cannot fully avoid phishing attacks, while Windows Security provides an option to track suspicious sites. Thus, third-party antivirus software is advisable to keep your system protected and clean. If you consider antivirus tools costly, there are great options to save on such purchases. This will certainly allow buying quality products at lower prices and find the antivirus that suits your purposes and goals. Thus, Norton provides antivirus software for all devices you can potentially use, which makes your network environment safer and reliable in the long run. You may still opt for smaller tools like Intego for your laptops to ensure that your business is guarded and your sensitive data will not end up in the hands of thieves.
b. Install VPN. This option is particularly crucial if you travel a lot. If your data is not encrypted, any hacker can observe what you actually do online. This may compromise your gadget and give out sensitive payment data, personal info, and other things you do not want to share. You can use VPN within your 360-antivirus tools or opt for a separate software for such purpose. While in-built VPNs can be found in several browsers, opting for paid functions is better if your data is frequently sent to the web.
Conclusion
As we can see, antivirus companies will fairly disappear in the near future. While Windows Defender continuously works to improve its score, it cannot fully substitute anti-tracker, anti-spyware, and encrypt your online data. Thus, you continuously need antivirus, VPN, and a password manager to keep your system protected and secured. This is the best possible illustration of the fact that OS is not so carefully protected as we think it is. On the contrary, some issues like malware or adware cannot be solved with Windows Defender. Therefore, antivirus companies are the best way of keeping your system clean and safe and equally protecting your personal data from the prying eyes.