It is quite possible you are inundated on a
daily basis with spam mail and unwanted pop-ups which advertise the
latest in spy-ware and antivirus protection. As un-amusing and
counterintuitive as it may be, competition and the effective differences
between competing antivirus application developers is so tight, that
even the manufactures of antivirus programs are willing to exploit your
computers weaknesses to advertise their solutions.
The sheer size and efficiency of the internet as well its billion-plus
users makes new computer viruses more dangerous and virulent than ever.
Viruses can literally spread around the globe in only minutes, effecting
thousands of unprotected and unprepared users and businesses virtually
instantly and simultaneously. The need for antivirus protection is of
paramount concern for virtually all PC users.
First Things First: What Is a Computer Virus?
To be considered a true computer Virus, a
program needs the ability to replicate itself and trigger its activity
at specified events. A computer virus is just one of three types of
programs known as “maliceware”. “Maliceware” are applications designed
to damage, delete or steal your information, hijack your computer and
even damage or destroy your computers hardware. The three types of
“maliceware” you need to concern yourself with are Viruses, Trojans and
Worms. Most antivirus programs are designed to detect and defend your PC
from all three threats.
What Does an Antivirus Program Do?
Antivirus programs take two common
approaches to recognize threats to your computer.
1. Signature Detection: Via Signature Detection an antivirus application
scans your computer, drives and storage devices for files that contain a
code it recognizes as a virus variant.
2. Activity: An antivirus application will monitor the activity on your
computer for suspicious behaviors i.e. modification of system files or
folders and unauthorized connections to the internet to name two.
Signature detection generally requires the manufacturer of an antivirus
application to obtain a copy of a specific virus and then
reverse-engineer it to obtain markers relevant to its programming. These
markers are then loaded into your antivirus software via updates.
Signature detection is a sound methodology for detecting and protecting
against computer viruses, however it can be rendered useless when faced
with a virus for which is has no definition.
Antivirus applications that scan for potential computer virus activity
can be more useful at detecting the latest threats than those reliant on
signature detection. It is important to note that because many
applications perform the same activities as a virus – writing and
changing system files for example – a user can quickly become inundated
with numerous and unnecessary warnings by antivirus applications that
utilize this method for detection.
Most of today’s “solid” antivirus programs utilize a combination of both
signature detection and virus activity to protect your computer against
threats.
How at Risk are You?
Asking yourself this question is perhaps
the first and most important step toward choosing what degree of
protection you need, and how much money you are willing to spend, on
Antivirus protection. Risk generally equates to your computers exposure
to outside applications, files or connections. If you were to operate a
computer that would never come into contact with any program or file not
manufactured by a secure source, then you have virtually no need for an
Antivirus application. Simply put, if you never plan to connect your
computer to the internet, download files with it or upload “at risk”
files from outside data sources, you should have no need for Antivirus
software.
If you are a casual user who perhaps connects to the internet on
occasion through a temporary or dial up connection and only download or
upload files and programs from reasonably secure sources, your need for
an antivirus program is clear, however, your risk may be minimal. In
this situation the types and range of protective applications can be
kept to a minimum; a basic antivirus program designed to regularly scan
your hard drive for infections should offer you the protection that you
need. There are many good antivirus programs that will fit this need
available as shareware - a free download - throughout the internet.
Now, if you are like what I would consider to be the majority of today’s
computer users, you are a high risk user and need a wide variety of the
most up to date antivirus programs available. If you have a broadband
internet connection which keeps your computer connected to the internet
24/7. If you regularly upload and download files and applications from
random and un-trusted sources, you need to invest in very thorough
security for your computer. High risk users should invest in an
antivirus program that offers real time scanning of all incoming and
outgoing connections or files, a firewall to prevent unauthorized access
to your PC via an open broadband connection, a pop-up blocker that
prevents your computers web browser from being hijacked and adware
scanners that detect pop-up, spy-ware, tracking and redirection
software.
With Regard to the Antivirus Program Itself:
Determining the true quality and
effectiveness of an antivirus program can sometimes come down to how
often the manufacturer releases updates to the program. New viruses are
introduced to the web on most certainly a daily, if not hourly basis.
The best antivirus manufacturers release updates on a daily basis and
often offer updates to their programs on a real-time, as needed basis.
The ability for an antivirus software manufacturer to release constant,
and relevant, updates to their programs should be of great concern to
the user. Not having the latest updates can almost be as dangerous as
having no protection at all.
Other Important Factors to Consider:
1. The programs compatibility with your
current set up and operating system? – If you are still using Windows 98
and you are purchasing an antivirus software manufactured in 2006,
chances are it is not compatible with your computer.
2. How much in the way of system resources does the program use? – Just
like all applications and operating systems, antivirus applications will
use your computers processing power, memory and storage space to
function. Keeping this use to a minimum will help to keep your computer
operating at peak performance.
3. What kind of protection does the software offer? – Does the program
offer protection against multiple threats such as Worms and Trojans?
Will the program scan incoming and outgoing text messages and e-mails?
4. Cost – How much will the protection cost you over the life of your
usage? – Most antivirus programs require that you subscribe to their
service and then purchase updates on a yearly basis. The costs of these
updates can vary widely between manufacturers and should be considered
when making your final decision.
Answering these questions truthfully though an honest assessment of your
PC usage will help to guarantee that you invest the proper amount of
money and time into ensuring your PC and data are safe and secure.
