Free Antivirus Software in 2024 Are They Really Necessary or Not When Buying a computer?
While cybercriminals are able to launch attacks that are increasingly sophisticated and difficult to recognize, operating systems are not far behind and are improving their defenses. But why do we still see so many people rushing to install free antiviruses on their computers? Is it possible that they haven't figured out what Windows Defender can do, for example?
We are no longer just talking about classic viruses that delete your files or fill your screen with photos. Now things are even more dangerous: ransomware that hijacks your data and demands a ransom, phishing that tries to steal your passwords by pretending to be your bank, and malware so advanced that it looks like something from a science fiction movie.
In this scenario, it's normal to wonder if what comes with Windows and here, we talk about Windows Defender is enough or if you need to use something more powerful.
- Why this obsession with installing free antivirus software on computers?
Speaking of what comes with Windows, many people don't even know that it has real protection called Windows Defender. This software has gone from being the ugly duck of security to becoming a real heavyweight. It now protects you in real time, performs periodic checks, updates itself, and even includes a firewall. It does everything, but despite that, there are those who continue to look for free alternatives.
So why this obsession with installing free antivirus? There are several reasons. For starters, many people simply don't know that Windows Defender is no longer the basic software it once was.
Of course, as David Colomino Murillo, cybersecurity engineer at A3Sec told us, "Having Windows Defender on your PC is a good foundation to protect it, but you're simply not completely secure. You have to do "other important measures such as updating your operating system and browser or managing your password securely... It depends a lot on the context of the device."
Others believe that the more security programs they have, the more protected they are, which is certainly not the case, and even worse. Then there are those who have installed antivirus software all their lives and continue to do so out of habit. And we must not forget the antivirus companies, whose ads sometimes make you feel that without their products you are at risk for hackers.
Now, is additional antivirus software necessary or not in 2024? Depends on. If you are the type of person who browses websites of all kinds or downloads files that you are not always sure of their content, it will be very necessary to provide an extra layer of protection.
It also affects the type of computer you have: If you have Windows 10 or 11 up to date, you'll be completely protected by Windows Defender, but if you have an older system or use another operating system, things change. Of course, if you use sensitive information in your business, you still need more advanced security features.
Windows Defender has strengthened its protection in recent years, and now competes head-to-head with many paid antiviruses. It has its advantages: it's integrated into Windows, so it doesn't cause compatibility problems; it updates itself; it doesn't consume your computer's resources; and best of all, it doesn't cost you anything.
But be careful, having a good antivirus — whether it's Defender or others — isn't a license to do whatever you want online. There are basic things we should all do: update our computer, use passwords other than "123456", don't open emails from anyone, make backups in case anything happens, and, in general, use common sense when using the Internet.