IMPORTANCE OF ANTIVIRUS

Computing is based on the use of programs or applications to perform certain functions with computers. In general, these antivirus programs have a utility and their use is beneficial for the user, who decides to use them more or less voluntarily and freely.

 

However, there are some programs whose objective is just the opposite: to cause damage or harm to the computer or its users. These programs are usually installed without the consent or knowledge of the user, and are called viruses. Its name is precisely due to the fact that these programs are capable of self-replication, multiplying virally and infecting an infinite number of computers, by entering camouflaged in another large files and to stop all the damages caused by viruses we have an antivirus.

An antivirus is a program that aims to detect or eliminate computer viruses. With the passage of time and thanks to advances, antiviruses have evolved to be able to disinfect files and prevent them from infection. Today, surfing the web is nearly impossible without this protection.

The existing threats in each site we visit on the Internet and the high probability of being victims of a virus or malware attack make it essential to have a good antivirus.

The damage caused by these, in general, small programs can be very varied, from simply a small annoyance, a funny message, to causing the loss of a large amount of data, blocking the computer, stealing confidential information or even causing irreparable damage to the computers systems. It has been the case of viruses that have managed to collapse entire networks causing the loss of all their data.

The most important thing will be to always keep the chosen security software updated to ensure that our computer or other type of device is always protected. Thus, we can read the e-mail or open documents without worry.

The main problem with antivirus is that new viruses are born every day, and therefore they must be updated frequently to be able to detect new threats. It is estimated that more than 1000 new viruses are released each month. And that's not to mention the so-called malware or malicious software, which without being a virus itself, installs itself on the computer to obtain personal information. That is why it is so important to have an antivirus and use it, as it is to have it updated. Most of the current antivirus not only protect against viruses, but against many other forms of attack: probes, Trojans, spyware, adware ... offering relatively complete protection to the average user, especially if they are combined with firewalls.

Main Attacks

By not having an antispam or when a license expires, the computer is vulnerable to the following offensives that can cause considerable damage to the system:

Ø Emails infected with dangerous attachments when executed.

Ø Infected web pages that download malicious code called Worms.

Ø Documents like Word and Excel that attack the operating system.

Ø Consequences of a virus

If A Computer Virus Is Not Eliminated, It Causes Such Common And Serious Effects As:

Ø Loss of important data that was not backed up.

Ø Slow computer performance or inability to use it.

Ø Fraud and theft of personal data that is sent to other computers. A very common example is the one that has to do with the credit card number.

Ø Identity theft, hackers being able to use a computer to carry out new attacks.

The most advanced antivirus fight viruses and also detect Spyware. Large companies and even governments use antivirus with advanced security systems and multiple firewalls to protect their information from outside attacks. It is logical to think that the greater the importance of the information to be protected, the greater the security systems must be.