In this article, we answers the most common questions about antivirus software that many users have asked as follow:
- What are the main types of attacks and threats caused by viruses?
- How dangerous are viruses and the damage they cause?
- How do the best antivirus software compare?
- What is the antivirus software strategy?
- How can you make the best use of antivirus software?
- What is the difference between paid and free antivirus software?
- How to choose the best antivirus software?
- Why shouldn't you use more than antivirus software at same time?
What are the main types of attacks and threats caused by viruses?
Viruses attacks increases exponentially every year, as attackers improve in terms of efficiency and sophistication.
Viruses attacks happen for a number of different reasons and in various ways.
The common denominator, however, is that Viruses attacks will look to exploit vulnerabilities in an organization's security policies, practices, or technologies.
There are many, many Types of Viruses attacks, and it is very dangerous as the following .
1. Viruses attack
Certainly, we all suffer from this common type, which is known to be files designed to bypass protection programs, target system files, and cause severe damage and damage that most often leads to the downfall of some completely weak systems.
2. Malware attack
Malware is a type of application that can perform a variety of malicious tasks. Some strains of malware are designed to create persistent access to a network, some are designed to spy on the user in order to obtain credentials or other valuable data, while some are simply designed to cause disruption.
3. Phishing attack
A Phishing attack is where the attacker tries to trick an unsuspecting victim into handing over valuable information, such as passwords, credit card details, intellectual property, and so on.
Phishing attacks often arrive in the form of an email pretending to be from a legitimate organization, such as your bank, the tax department, or some other trusted entity.
Phishing scams are one of the most common methods of attack you’re likely to come across. They are a hugely profitable attack method for cyber-criminals, as thousands fall victim to them every year.
4. (MITM) attack
A man-in-the-middle attack (MITM) is where an attacker intercepts the communication between two parties in an attempt to spy on the victims, steal personal information or credentials, or perhaps alter the conversation in some way.
MITM attacks are less common these days as most email and chat systems use end-to-end encryption which prevents third parties from tampering with the data that is transmitted across the network, regardless of whether the network is secure or not.
5. DDoS attack
A Distributed Denial-of-Service attack is where an attacker essentially floods a target server with traffic in an attempt to disrupt, and perhaps even bring down the target.
However, unlike traditional denial-of-service attacks, which most sophisticated firewalls can detect and respond to, a DDoS attack is able to leverage multiple compromised devices to bombard the target with traffic.
6. SQL injection
SQL injection is a type of attack which is specific to SQL databases. SQL databases uses SQL statements to query the data, and these statements are typically executed via a HTML form on a webpage.
If the database permissions have not been set properly, the attacker may be able to exploit the HTML form to execute queries that will create, read, modify or delete the data stored in the database.
7. A Zero-Day exploit
A zero-day exploit is where cyber-criminals learn of a vulnerability that has been discovered in certain widely-used software applications and operating systems, and then target organizations who are using that software in order to exploit the vulnerability before a fix becomes available.
8. DNS tunnel
A DNS tunnel is a sophisticated attack vector designed to provide attackers with continuous access to a specific target.
Because many organizations fail to monitor DNS traffic for malicious activity, attackers can insert or "tunnel" malware into DNS queries (DNS requests sent from client to server).
Malware is used to create a persistent communication channel that most firewalls cannot detect.
9. A ‘Drive-by-Download’
A drive-by-download attack is where an unsuspecting victim visits a website which in turn infects their device with malware.
The website in question could be under the direct control of the attacker, or a website that has been hacked.
In some cases, malware is presented in content such as banners and ads.
Exploit kits are available nowadays that allow novice hackers to easily set up malicious websites or distribute malicious content through other means.
10. (XSS) attacks.
Cross-site scripting attacks are quite similar to SQL injection attacks, although instead of extracting data from a database, they are usually used to infect other users visiting a site.
A simple example is the Comments section on a web page.
If user input is not filtered before the comment is posted, an attacker can spread a malicious script hidden in the page.
When a user visits this page, the script will be executed and either infect their device, use it to steal cookies or possibly even use it to extract user credentials.
Alternatively, they may just redirect the user to a malicious website.
11. Password attack
A password attack, as you have already guessed, is a type of cyber attack in which the attacker tries to guess or "hack" the user's password.
There are many different methods of hacking a user password, although explaining these different methods is beyond the scope of this article.
However, some examples include brute force attack, dictionary attack, rainbow table attack, credential stuffing, password sprinkle, and Keylogger attack.
Of course, attackers will often try to use phishing techniques to obtain a user's password.
12. Eavesdropping attack
Sometimes referred to as "snooping" or "sniffing", it is an eavesdropping attack in which an attacker searches for unsecured network connections to intercept and access data that is being sent over the network.
This is one of the reasons why employees are required to use a VPN when accessing the company network from an unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspot.
13. AI-Powered attacks
Using AI to launch sophisticated cyber attacks is frightening, because we don't yet know what such attacks will be able to do.
The most notable AI-powered attack we've seen so far involved the use of AI botnets that use satellite machines to perform a massive DDoS attack.
However, we will likely see more sophisticated attack vectors in the future.
AI-powered programs can figure out what types of methods work best and adapt attack methods accordingly.
They can use information feeds to quickly identify software vulnerabilities, as well as scan the systems themselves for potential vulnerabilities.
Text, audio and video generated by artificial intelligence will be used to impersonate company executives, which can be used to launch highly disguised phishing attacks.
Unlike humans, AI-powered attacks can operate around the clock. They are fast, efficient, affordable and adaptable.
14. IoT-Based attacks
As is currently the case, IoT devices are generally less secure than most modern operating systems, and hackers are keen to exploit their weaknesses.
As with AI, the Internet of Things is still a relatively new concept, and so we still need to see what methods cybercriminals will use to exploit IoT devices, and for what ends.
Hackers may target medical devices, security systems, and smart thermometers, or they may seek to penetrate IoT devices in order to launch large-scale DDoS attacks.
I think we'll find out in the coming years.
15. Risks of other online attacks
There are also many types of attacks such as Cryptojacking, Business Email Compromise , Spying And Hacking.
How dangerous are viruses and the damage they cause?
You might think that simply avoiding dangerous files and downloads is enough to keep you safe, but the truth couldn't be further from the truth.
Viruses can infiltrate your system without warning. Before you know it, you may find yourself the owner of an inoperable system, or worse yet, discover that your personal data has been stolen. Oftentimes, when you realize that you are a victim, it is already too late.
Viruses can damage everything that matters to you, your bank PIN when withdrawing cash, and destroy home security.
How do the best antivirus software compare?
There is a lot to consider when choosing the best antivirus solution for your PC. And here on our site, we will introduce you to two methods that you will not find anywhere else believe me.
Firstly, you should consult the people close to you or trusted friends who may have experiences with antivirus software because you will surely find tips and recommendations based on real experiences through them.
Second, start by prioritizing you want and reducing the options available to you based on the previous step.
Third, start by looking for software features, each program individually, and then start comparing them and choosing the best one for you.
Finally, if the choice fell on a particular program, immediately start downloading from the trusted source as we explained in this article. If you cannot, then you should trust us and choose one of the people from the list that we have chosen for you in this article, based on experience and knowledge of the criteria on the basis of which the choice is also made.
The best antivirus solutions are identified by their features tailored to specific needs. Depending on your needs, you can choose a basic package designed simply to protect your system, or you can choose to spend a little more and opt for a solution that provides security for the entire family, and protects all your devices from data theft and viruses .
Security products are always evolving. New features and better protection measures are always being developed to fight the latest spyware, adware, worms, Trojans, rootkits, ransomware and several other threats.
No matter what level of protection you're looking at, there's an antivirus solution that's right for everyone - regardless of budget.
What is the antivirus software strategy?
In the past, security software relied on collecting malware definitions manually.
As threats are sophisticated and sophisticated in nature, industry-leading antivirus software has also been rapidly developed to stay ahead of cyber-criminals.
Today this customized software uses strategies such as behavioral detection and machine learning to ensure the ability to detect, isolate and remove all known malware and even completely new and never-before-seen digital threats to keep you safe online.
How can you make the best use of antivirus software?
Here are some tips for make the best use of software:
1. Back up your important data files regularly
One of the habits that you should follow is to back up your files regularly.
You never know when malware could hit and damage your data. Add it to your weekly cloud sync routine and back up your most important files to an external hard drive.
2 Update your software continuously
When your software prompts you to install an update just do it.
Because the new cyber threats evolve every day, and the best way to protect against them is to allow your software to stay as up to date.
3. Check the results reports
These reports let you know who is suspected of being busy with your program.
It will give you a good idea of threats to your devices and possibly schemes you have fallen into without your knowledge, such as clicking on a link in a phishing email.
This information can also help you improve your online security habits.
What is the difference between paid and free antivirus software?
Free antivirus software usually provides basic malware protection which may not be enough to combat ever-evolving threats.
This is especially true when it comes to a wide range of digital threats and threats that go beyond just antivirus.
Some features may be of limited use - and worse, some free software can collect your personal data in exchange for their services.
On the other hand, paid antivirus subscriptions give you cutting-edge, up-to-date security protection against a variety of malware and digital threats.
Paid solutions also tend to come with richer features and services. For example, it includes identity protection and a VPN to protect your personal information.
But rest assured that with your free 30-day trial, you'll get all the features of our flagship product, including antivirus, web protection, password manager, and more.
You can also take advantage of the free trial and enjoy peace of mind every time you use your devices.
Why shouldn't you use more than antivirus software at same time?
Here's what can happen to your device if you run more than one antivirus at the same time, and Why shouldn't you use more than antivirus software at same time?.
1. Fight potential viruses
Antivirus software wants to impress you. Each of them wants to be the one who catches the virus and introduces you to the culprit.
When an antivirus gets infected with a virus, it locks it in a safe place to neutralize it.
If you have two programs running simultaneously, they can get into a battle over who can scan, report, and remove the virus.
This additional activity may cause your computer to crash or consume your device's memory.
2. Report each other as suspicious
Antivirus software quietly monitors and collects information about how your system is running, which is similar to how viruses work.
One program can identify the other as suspicious because the real-time protection program lurks in the background. So, while one antivirus is busy beeping over the other, malicious code can get away quietly.
3. Battery draining and slowing down your device
Running a single antivirus does not drain your battery, and it can make your device faster.
However, two antivirus programs will make your device run slower and drain your battery in the process.
Also the performance of the device is seriously compromised.
Antivirus best practices.
How to choose the best antivirus software
1. Software comparison
In the beginning, and before thinking about downloading antivirus Software, you must carefully choose the best for your computer, mobile or tablet by searching for the best antivirus programs and studying the features of each of them.
This first step is the most important because this will make you psychologically comfortable and assured of the cleanliness of your device.
In addition to relying on it to be the first line of defense against attacks that affect your device, whether from the Internet or the various methods that would harm your device.
Therefore, this important step should be noted for the sake of comfort and psychological stability, as well as the user's confidence towards the anti-virus program
2. Download the best antivirus software
After making sure that you have chosen the best one for you, we come to the downloading time, but Pay attention to the following:
- Download the program from a reliable source and it is better to be from its official website
- Download the latest version and make sure it is up to date
3. Install the software
Here are the steps to install software
Step 1: After the download is completed, go to the download file and click on the installation file, which ends with the extension ( EXE )
Step 2: Click on the next while reading the instructions or hints that appear in front of you in the program menu.
Step 3: After the installation process is completed, the main interface will appear in front of you with all the program options such as scan, firewall, etc.
- we recommend start full scan after u install the antivirus software directly.
See: How to Scan and Repair Hard Drive
Why shouldn't you use more than antivirus software at same time?
Here's what can happen to your device if you run more than one antivirus at the same time, and Why shouldn't you use more than antivirus software at same time?.
1. Fight potential viruses
Antivirus software wants to impress you. Each of them wants to be the one who catches the virus and introduces you to the culprit.
When an antivirus gets infected with a virus, it locks it in a safe place to neutralize it.
If you have two programs running simultaneously, they can get into a battle over who can scan, report, and remove the virus.
This additional activity may cause your computer to crash or consume your device's memory.
2. Report each other as suspicious
Antivirus software quietly monitors and collects information about how your system is running, which is similar to how viruses work.
One program can identify the other as suspicious because the real-time protection program lurks in the background. So, while one antivirus is busy beeping over the other, malicious code can get away quietly.
3. Battery draining and slowing down your device
Running a single antivirus does not drain your battery, and it can make your device faster.
However, two antivirus programs will make your device run slower and drain your battery in the process.
Also the performance of the device is seriously compromised.
Antivirus best practices.