Fake antivirus software is on the rise

Antivirus software could be one of the most popular tools to protect people against viruses and malware. In fact, a report from Security.org says that 82 percent of U.S. households reported using antivirus software. While all ages report high usage of antivirus software, age overall was correlated with adoption.

Downloading antivirus software can help you keep protected from cyber threats. However, downloading FAKE antivirus software can give you serious problems such as stealing your credentials. 

Cyber criminals create fake antivirus software to trick you into downloading their software. Once you download their fake antivirus software, a virus or malware will be automatically installed on your computer. These bad actors can have access to your computer and steal your sensitive information. 

The worst scenario that can happen is, when a cybercriminal takes control of your computer, declines your access to your own files, and warns you that your important files will be published in public unless you pay a large amount of money to stop them (Ransomware). 

Never click a link to install antivirus software. Go directly to the App Store or Play Store. Always be cautious whether you are downloading from a legitimate source.

Antivirus is preventing known viruses and threats only

In order to detect a virus and cyber threats, software engineers study how computer viruses work. It is effective in detecting KNOWN viruses and threats only. This means that it does not recognize the newly released viruses and threats. AV-TEST Institute registers over 450,000 new malicious programs (malware) and potentially unwanted applications every day. There are too many threats to prevent. Known viruses and newly released viruses must stop for you to be safe from cyber attacks.

You can be attacked even without clicking links 

In the past, you can stay safe by avoiding clicking links. You may even do regular threat scanning to feel more secure. Phishing attacks are still at the top of cyber attacks. It is when a hacker attempts to steal your data by including a link to your email, chat, or text messages. Once you click the link, the hacker can steal your data and have access to your system.

Cyber attackers are increasingly daring. You can still be attacked without clicking links due to third-party poor practices. Once the hacker is in, then they will take advantage of the vulnerabilities to get more permissions or to get to the next device on the network.

Antivirus software is only the first base layer of protection. Antivirus is often not very good at spotting fileless malware like scripts which are heavily obfuscated. You must protect yourself with multi-layers of security. In the long run, having the help of IT professionals is what you need for your security. IT professionals can design a custom IT solution for you and your business.

Tell us your needs. We can help you.