How Does the Antivirus Software on My Computer Work?

Sep 30, 2021 | Uncategorized

We frequently hear the question, “Do I really need antivirus software on my computer?” While the short answer is yes, you do, we wanted to briefly explain what such software can do to protect your business, as well as well as what it can NOT do. We understand that for many small and medium-sized business owners, determining what is worth the cost and what isn’t can be difficult. You need to spend your money on what’s important, but there is a constant stream of suggestions to “get this” or “buy that.” So, here is our 411 on antivirus software, so you can see why this is — or should be — an integral part of your business security.

What Does Antivirus Software Do?

Antivirus software is a crucial line of defense against viruses (hence, the name) and other types of malware. It has three main features:

  • Threat Prevention
  • Threat Detection
  • Threat Removal

Traditional antivirus runs scans against your computer looking for current or incoming files that match known bad files or have other indicators of compromise. AI-based antivirus does an initial scan, watch incoming files, and then monitor your system for suspicious behavior. So, if by some chance, a virus starts sneaking through your system, an effective antivirus program will catch it and kick it out, likely before you even notice. Read more about some of the threats that antivirus software defends against!

What About Free Antivirus Software?

Yes, there are free antivirus software options available. Such a program usually supports itself by selling data to advertisers and has a lower performance quality. While it may seem like a budget-friendly alternative, consider what you need the antivirus software to protect. Do you have a single computer where you watch videos and shop online, or do you have a network of computers you rely on to run your business, house your data, and communicate with your team? Is the security of your business worth the cost? You’ve probably heard the phrase, “you get what you pay for.” With that in mind, it’s probably in your best interest to research, then purchase, quality antivirus software, especially when you consider all that’s at stake, not the least of which is your business’ computers, network, and data.

Is One Antivirus Program Enough?

If the question is, “do I need more than one antivirus program?” then you should know there is such a thing as being over-prepared. While running one program minimizes your risk of infection, having multiple antivirus programs is likely to result in software conflicts that slow down your computer and take the focus off the real enemy. If, however, the question is, “do I need more than an antivirus program to protect my business?” then the answer is a wholehearted yes. Antivirus software can stop a virus and squash an infection, but it can’t prevent your employees from doing things like transmitting sensitive data via an unsecured network or mistakenly entering their password into a fake site. That’s where a highly trained IT provider comes in, helping to plug the holes software cannot …

Get What You Need, and Only What You Need

Like we said before, we understand running your small business requires strategy in all areas, including technology and cybersecurity. The IT professionals at Sawyer Solutions can most certainly help with the latter two items, allowing you to focus on your core strengths. We’ll work with you to identify your needs and vulnerabilities, as well as create a plan that makes the most of your resources and sets your business up for success. It can be a lot to consider, so don’t worry. Contact us today for a free consultation and see how we can take those technology hassles off your hands!