Malicious software such as computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, adware, spyware, ransomware, and more, can cause various problems. Depending on the type of malware, they can slow down or crash your computer, corrupt essential files, and folders, share your confidential information with others and cause financial strife.
As cyber threats grow more frequent and complicated by the day, it’s critical to enhance cybersecurity for your computer by downloading and installing state-of-the-art antivirus software that remediates malware threats based on patterns rather than signature-based technology.
Many computer users make the mistake of assuming that their default antivirus software is sufficient, whether they use a Mac or Windows. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
Macs
For years, Apple has boasted that Macs “don’t get viruses.” It even ran an advertising campaign starting in 2006 that implied this. Macs are certainly more secure than PCs because Apple tightly controls its hardware and software. However, it’s irresponsible for anyone to say that you don’t need to install cybersecurity software for your Mac.
A big reason why Macs are historically considered to be more secure than PCs is that they have a smaller slice of the market. However, active threats against the Mac operating system have risen alarmingly of late. The 2020 State of Malware Reports concludes that Mac threats increased by 400% in 2019 and outweigh threats on Windows by almost two to one.
Unfortunately, Apple’s default security features aren’t strong enough to keep Mac users safe. XProtect, part of Apple’s Gatekeeper security mechanism, offers basic protection at best against established malware threats.
With 350,000 instances of new malware threats discovered every day, your Mac needs a defense system that goes beyond established threats. Only cybersecurity software with advanced anti-malware technology can crush all the emerging threats against your Mac.
Windows
Although Windows has become significantly more stable over the years, it’s still vulnerable to malware attacks because of two crucial reasons:
- Windows Security Shortcomings: According to experts, Microsoft’s default security software only offers basic protection against malware threats. Not only does it have weaker detection rates as compared to other antivirus solutions, but it also fails to protect web browsers made by other companies, leaving most Windows users vulnerable when surfing the Internet from malicious websites, phishing scams, social media malware, etc.
- Critical Vulnerabilities: Microsoft can take weeks to patch critical vulnerabilities in its operating system that hackers can easily exploit. Unless you download a cybersecurity solution that offers anti-malware protection around the clock, your computer can be an easy target for those with malicious intent.
Good Practices
Aside from downloading top-of-the-line cybersecurity software, you must also adopt good habits on the Internet. Remember, cybersecurity software can protect your computer from malware, but it can’t protect you from yourself.
Never overshare information on social media, avoid lending smart devices to others, and only use trusted websites, links, and software. In addition, keep your computer updated to make it harder for hackers to breach your system’s defenses. With cybercrimes growing more sophisticated, you need the best software and practices to keep your security intact.