Before choosing which antivirus to install on your computer, you need to understand what the differences are between the various software available on the market
Worried by recent computer security-related events, such as WannaCry, you have decided to buy or replace your antivirus. At this point, the million dollar question is: which solution should you choose? Let’s take a look, point by point, at the main features of a good antivirus.
Once upon a time, companies operating in the computer security market could be counted on the fingers of one hand. Nowadays, with an average of about 100 new threats and hacker attacks discovered every day, the solutions to choose from are wide and varied. And often each company specializes in a particular field. Like anti-ransomware or anti-spam, to give examples. Essential, regardless of the antivirus chosen for our computer, is then the software update. That should be done every time we are reported. But let’s see what are the most important aspects for a choose antivirus.
How an antivirus works
A recommended antivirus is one that performs constant checks based on the actions we do. That is, it has a live scanner. For example, it checks documents downloaded from the Internet in real time, and so on. Then there are antivirus with an access scanner. These are activated only when we open or download a file. Their purpose is to detect malware and prevent us from opening an infected document. There are some antivirus that use on-demand scanners. It is then up to the user to request the check before opening or handling a particular file. It does not mean that these antivirus are not effective, quite the contrary. However, it is up to us to be more careful and remember to always use it. Most of the scanners present on the best antivirus then have a memory. That is, it learns from previous hacker attacks to remember how they act and detect them instantly in case the user comes across a similar threat. Finally, it is essential to have an antivirus with zipped file scanner. Most antivirus programs can scan within a compressed file. The best programs may be able to perform deep scanning to detect malware, even if it is “buried” within multiple compressed files.
Scheduled Scans
To keep our device safe it is always advisable to perform periodic scans. This will give us a clear idea of the situation inside our computer. The best antivirus programs allow you to manage and schedule scans whenever you want. Once this feature is set up, you won’t have to remember anything, the software will do the checks automatically.
Scripting languages
Compiled and uncompiled languages are often used to execute malicious code on websites.
Many antivirus programs are able to monitor languages such as JavaScript, ActiveX, Visual Basic and others. The best antivirus programs are able to detect and block this kind of malicious activity.
Email Protection
The best antivirus programs are able to monitor our email traffic, both incoming and outgoing. This will allow us to avoid clicking on malicious links or attachments. And at the same time we will avoid falling into the trap of phishing or spam emails. The best software on the market also monitors instant messaging services. Apps that are currently heavily targeted by cyber criminals.
Updates
Updating your antivirus is essential. That’s why we prefer an antivirus that automatically reminds us every time a new version is released. Otherwise, every time we’ll have to connect to the company’s website and check the status of updates. Then we prefer an antivirus that is updated very often. It may seem like a hassle to constantly download new versions, but it’s the only way to increase our computer security.