Antivirus protection is an essential part of every device we use today.
Whether it’s a computer, smartphone or tablet, without an antivirus we wouldn’t be able to install anything safely on our devices.
Antiviruses protect us from dangerous software, hackers, as well as against the theft of personal information on the Internet.
In this article, we have therefore prepared for you everything you need to know about antiviruses, as well as a list of antiviruses that are worth using.
What is an antivirus?
Antivirus (abbreviated as “AV”) is software that detects malicious programs, protects user devices and neutralizes cyber threats such as e.g. malware, ransomware, virus, etc.
Currently, there are countless antivirus programs that try to protect user information with security techniques in various ways.
Antivirus software can differ in various security features, the size of virus databases, prices, or even the number of regular software updates.
In the past (or in the 90s of the last century), only a few antivirus programs (such as Atari ST, UVK, McAfee, etc.) worked, based on the so-called “detection strings”, which basically served only as lists with descriptions of known viruses.
Thanks to these chains, it was possible to detect potential threats and remove them from the device.
Nowadays, however, with the increasing number of different types of viruses, other, more modern techniques for detecting malicious software had to be used. Thanks to this, antiviruses are now significantly more robust and cover different parts of the user’s life on the device (such as protection in web browsers, VPN , scanning of downloaded files, email protection, etc.).
How does an antivirus work?
Antivirus software uses various technologies to detect potential cyber threats. At its core, every antivirus tries to:
- Regularly check for potentially dangerous programs
- Scan and detect downloaded files
- Remove or isolate malicious programs
You can learn how the antivirus program works in this video from Eset :
Types of cyber threats
In today’s modern era, there are countless cyber threats that can harm the user in various forms. Among the most well-known threats that antivirus software can protect you from are:
1. Malware – a general term that covers various types of cyber threats and programs. In essence, malware tries to get into the device without the user’s approval or knowledge. The purpose of malware can be different – from stealing sensitive and personal data, through identity theft to damaging the device and its programs.
Known forms of malware include, for example:
- Computer “worms” : A simple program that, so to speak, “reproduces”, or it duplicates its content and tries to overload the given device or network with its size.
- Trojan Horse : Malware that masquerades as a legitimate and harmless program. Once installed, this software can put full control over the device in the hands of a hacker.
2. Spyware – a program that infects the device and subtly collects information about the user (such as information about a bank account, credit card, etc.). Perhaps the most popular type of spyware is the so-called A ” keylogger ” that records and sends to hackers every keystroke the user makes.
3. Adware – adware is a hidden program on the device that displays various forms of advertising to the user and monitors his behavior in the online environment. Thanks to this, different companies can precisely target the user and indirectly “force” him to make a certain transaction for a product or service.
4. Ransomware – a virus that, so to speak, locks the device and does not unlock it until the user pays a certain financial amount, or “ransom” to the hacker.
5. Online frauds – these are various fraudulent techniques, methods and procedures, the purpose of which is to “extort” personal information or financial resources from the user. In general, these can be types of fraud such as:
- Phishing – fraudulent e-mail messages that contain harmful attachments or lead the user to dangerous websites or to harmful content for download.
- Pharming – similar to the “phishing” method, pharming tries to get the user to a dangerous website, but with the difference that, instead of fraudulent messages, it infects the device with a code that then unintentionally redirects the user to harmful content.
6. Virus – although this is a term that is often used to describe any cyber threat and program, a virus as such is basically a piece of code that attaches itself to a file or program and corrupts its data or damages the overall program.
7. Spoofing – spoofing occurs when a hacker tries to pretend to be someone else (e.g. technical support, family member or acquaintance) in order to obtain information about the user. Thanks to such theft of information, hackers can then get into the device or into the email box and infect the files with malicious malware.
How does an antivirus detect cyber threats?
As we mentioned above, antivirus software uses various technologies and procedures to prevent malicious programs from infecting devices:
- Malware database: each antivirus provider has its own database of known malware that it uses to detect threats on a device. In principle, the antivirus always compares potentially harmful content with its database and thus can immediately recognize whether it is a virus or not.
- Behavioral detection: Nowadays, most antivirus programs use this technique. Basically, the antivirus scans any code that could make changes to the device without the user’s voluntary approval. Thanks to this, the antivirus can immediately alert you to an unexpected change in a program that behaves suspiciously.
- Heuristic scanning: This is a type of scanning that detects so-called “polymorphic viruses” – programs and codes that regularly change in such a way that they cannot be detected.
- Machine learning: This is basically the “learning” of an antivirus program in order to recognize and detect patterns in malicious programs.
- Memory Scan: Scans for potential threats that have already been downloaded to your device.
- Sandbox: An effective method for detecting malicious content – the antivirus essentially isolates potentially malicious content from the rest of the device and first tests and analyzes it. Thanks to this, the device is protected from the given virus before the user starts it himself.
What are the benefits of antivirus software?
Antivirus software can basically protect you from most of the cyber threats we listed above.
Every antivirus program tries to detect threats before they reach the device, or to isolate and remove them even after installation.
Basic features of (almost) any antivirus include:
- Scanning against malware – a matter of course for every antivirus is first and foremost the control and protection of the device against viruses.
- Protection against spam – it is basically protection against unwanted messages or unsolicited advertisements.
- Protection against identity theft – an antivirus can protect your sensitive information from hackers.
- Scanning of external files – antivirus programs not only scan content that is already on your device, but also scans files that are located outside of it (e.g. USB, hard drives, connections of other devices, etc.).
- Firewall protection – most antiviruses also have their own firewall that automatically accepts or rejects incoming files.
- Web protection – this is about protecting the user, which will prevent him from visiting suspicious websites.
- Parental control – many providers of antivirus protection also offer parents the possibility to control the activity of children in the online environment and prevent them from visiting inappropriate websites or downloading harmful content to their device.
- Password protection – some providers also offer so-called “vault” where you can safely store your important passwords and data and which will be safe from harmful viruses.
💡 Note: Although antivirus should be a matter of course for every user, it also has a few disadvantages (unfortunately):
- Insufficient protection – although every antivirus offers a certain degree of protection, it is necessary to point out that even the best antivirus cannot protect you 100% from every threat on the Internet.
- False detection – in certain cases, antivirus software may mistakenly mark a file or program as dangerous. It often happens that the antivirus alerts you to a threat and blocks your access to the given file, even though it is a harmless program.
- Blocking updates – antivirus can also prevent system updates that you need at that moment. In this case, it is best to temporarily disable the antivirus and its firewall, and start it only after the overall update.
- Slowing down the system – although antivirus programs run silently in the background of your operating system, it often happens that they consume a large amount of device resources (especially during complex scans) and slow down its performance.
How to choose antivirus software?
Several things must be taken into account when choosing the “right” antivirus program. Depending on how much protection and data you need to secure from online threats, you should look at:
- Scanning options – every good antivirus should offer several types of scanning, including manual scanning. In practice, this means that you should be able to set when you want to scan the device, set its regular check as well as determine the depth of the scan.
- Detection rate – the basic function of an antivirus is the ability to detect cyber threats. For this reason, you should look at the quality and quantity of detected viruses that individual antiviruses can detect on the device. You can view and compare the detection rate on several websites (such as via av-comparatives ) and thus get an overall overview of the performance of each antivirus software.
- Extra security elements – when choosing an antivirus program, you will definitely appreciate the extra functions that come with its purchase, such as VPN protection, password manager, parental control, etc.
- Speed and performance – although you simply cannot avoid slowing down your system after installing an antivirus, you should definitely at least look and compare to what extent antivirus programs burden the performance of your computer or smartphone.
- Price – as with any product or service, the price may be the final element for you, which will decide when choosing an antivirus. The price of antiviruses is really wide, from free antiviruses to payments of a few euros per month to prices that can be in the hundreds of euros (depending on the package you buy).
How to install an antivirus program?
Installing an antivirus program can vary depending on the device you want to install it on, the operating system, and the antivirus provider itself. However, in practice, you should install your antivirus anywhere using the following procedure:
- Scan your device and download an antivirus – this step varies by device and operating system. For example, for Windows devices, you can download an antivirus directly from the manufacturer, or via the Microsoft Store. On the other hand, with iPhone devices, you can use the apple store, or you won’t have to install an antivirus at all.
- Start the installation – follow the steps of the manufacturer and your operating system – in short, just like you would install any other software or application on your device.
- Set up the antivirus – if necessary, you will need to make some settings in the antivirus program to optimize its performance (such as starting and calibrating the firewall, update frequency, scanning options, etc.).
The best antivirus software
Avast
Avast is one of the most popular antivirus software that offers its services completely free of charge .
It is a gigantic antivirus that won the award for the best virus protection in 2022.
This antivirus program offers 6 layers of security along with Wi-Fi protection, VPN, as well as detection and protection against ransomware attacks.
Installing Avast antivirus is very easy (and most importantly free) – after starting this program can protect you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
AVG
AVG is another free antivirus trusted even by cyber experts.
This antivirus program offers safe protection against viruses, hackers, as well as ensures the protection of your private data along with the protection of webcams, ransomware, etc.
AVG can be installed not only on a computer but also on Android smartphones, thanks to which you can protect every device in your home.
In addition to basic security measures, AVG also offers a secure VPN , so you can keep your sensitive information on the Internet without any problems.
Avira
Avira is a well-known cyber-security brand, popular mainly due to its antivirus program Avira Free Security.
This antivirus provides perfect protection against online fraud, identity theft or even financial crimes.
In addition, it also offers free VPN services as part of the user’s online activities, thanks to which you can surf the Internet safely and anonymously.
An interesting feature of Avira antivirus is its ability to optimize its performance, which is especially useful for less powerful devices with limited memory or a weak battery.
Kaspersky
Kaspersky is a cyber-security solution for both households and large companies.
This antivirus can be installed on almost any device and operating software. It is compatible with:
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
Although Kaspersky is not completely free, it offers a free trial version of its services with which you can test the antivirus and decide if it is the right one for you.
Bitdefender
Bitdefender is a global leader in cyber security that has been protecting users since 2001.
This antivirus program offers a solution for both households and larger businesses, thanks to which everyone can find their own way.
Like other antiviruses, Bitdefender is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS and even Android devices.
As part of its services, this antivirus offers:
- complete antivirus protection
- Unlimited VPN
- Password management and protection
- Protection against identity theft
McAfee
McAfee is an all-in-one solution that provides antivirus protection to users in several security categories.
Whether it’s financial security, device scanning or password protection, McAfee is sure to meet your standards.
In addition to basic protection, McAfee also offers a VPN along with identity monitoring, online cleaning and many other extra features .
Although it is not a free antivirus program, you can find various packages with reasonable prices.
Norton
Norton is a popular worldwide antivirus that is currently used by millions of people.
It is a very simple and user-friendly protection solution that will protect you from various cyber threats on the Internet.
This antivirus covers different types of threats such as:
- Malware
- Ransomware
- A virus
- Identity theft
With higher price packages, you also get various interesting extra functions such as parental protection, dark web monitoring, password manager or even VPN protection.
Eset
Eset probably doesn’t even need much introduction – it is a popular antivirus that has been with us for quite a few years.
This antivirus provider offers security solutions for households, small businesses, but also for large corporate segments.
No matter what you do online, Eset can cover everything from online shopping to banking as well as protecting any device.
Eset offers several price packages, but if necessary, you can try it for 30 days completely free .
Microsoft Defender
Almost everyone knows Microsoft Defender – it is a simple protection against malicious cyber threats that is automatically installed on your Windows devices.
Since Microsoft Defender is free, you can have it running and using it immediately, anywhere. If needed, Windows also offers security protection for larger businesses.
As an antivirus, it covers everything you need for protection in practice – from device scanning to quarantine prevention to removing viruses that may have been on your computer.
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is an anti-malware software that has been around since 2006.
It is a simple antivirus protection that can be installed on Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android and iOS.
Along with basic antivirus protection, Malwarebytes also offers several interesting functions such as VPN, Browser guard, protection against spam ads and blocking of dangerous websites.
In addition to interesting price packages, you can try and download this antivirus completely free of charge .
The most frequently asked questions
Antivirus is software that searches for, eliminates and blocks malicious programs in the device or online and thus protects users from various cyber threats such as e.g. malware, ransomware, virus, etc.
There are many quality antivirus solutions out there – depending on how much protection you need on your devices. Popular antiviruses include, for example, Avast , Eset , AVG , Norton , Avira , Bitdefender , etc.
An antivirus program is an essential element in any device, be it a PC, smartphone or tablet. Although free antiviruses offer very good protection, they often cannot protect you from all cyber threats. For the highest security, it is therefore advisable to use paid antiviruses that cover a wider spectrum of threats and can eliminate even very sophisticated malware.
When choosing a good antivirus program, you should take into account several factors, such as: antivirus detection rate, scanning options, extra functions, device load after installing the antivirus, as well as the final price for the antivirus.
