Is antivirus software still necessary?

Antivirus software is very familiar to computer users, especially when online fraud is becoming more and more popular.

There was a time when computer software was considered a must for Vietnamese users. Many people spent a lot of money to buy official software or, if they did not have enough money, they turned to pirated versions.

But as technology advances, is antivirus software really necessary and should we pay for it?

May not be necessary

Security.org recently conducted a survey, which found that about 54% of Americans use the default antivirus protection software that comes with their devices (Microsoft Defender Antivirus is available on Windows computers), while 46% use third-party antivirus programs.

However, just over half of those who install third-party protection pay for it, with those over 65 twice as likely to use third-party antivirus software and pay for it as those under 45.

This is because antivirus software is something they have been using for years, not because older people tend to be more cautious and safe. In fact, paying for it simply gives them peace of mind, not because the protection software is necessary.

According to ZDNet expert Ed Bott, paying for antivirus software is actually a big waste of money.

Compared to 10-20 years ago, today's security technology is very different. Whether it's a computer or a phone, there is a default protection mode that is enough to provide the same level of safety as third-party antivirus software, so paying for antivirus software is not necessary.

On mobile devices (iOS or Android), the app is strictly monitored through the app store.

Windows also comes with Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which regularly passes tests from third-party testing units to measure security effectiveness.

We are much safer than before.

In the early 21st century, most malware arrived on computers as email attachments or over the network.

Today, the propagation routes are closed, automatic updates protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities, all types of executable attachments, including script-based ones, are blocked.

Modern, fully patched consumer PCs are no longer the primary target for the criminal gangs behind modern malware. They are targeting businesses, using vulnerabilities in third-party software rather than in the operating system itself.

ZDNet recommends that Microsoft Defender is enough for the average user, paying for Norton, McAfee or Kaspersky is no longer necessary.

Of course, if you work in a sensitive field and have important information, it is necessary to install additional advanced protection measures for the best security effect.