Antivirus: Learn more about it

Mathias DitlevKnowledge, Blog

Antivirus protects

Onlime helps you

Antivirus: Learn more about it

Is antivirus still important in 2022? 

Before we get started, you might want to know:
Antimalware and antivirus are different terms that are often used to refer to the same thing. We use 'antivirus' as the collective term for software that fights malicious code, as it is the most common. ('Malware' refers to malicious code in general, where 'virus' is a type of malware that spreads from computer to computer. Antivirus and backup are two necessary tools on your computer.

 You've probably heard the phrase before:

Want to buy antivirus with your new computer? It only costs... 

The question above usually comes up when you've bought a new Mac for study, a new computer for gaming or a laptop for grandma to use for Facebook.

But if you're like most of us, you've politely declined the offer. Perhaps you're wondering what you'll need antivirus software for in 2022, especially when they tend to be quite pricey.

The last thing you need after spending a tidy sum on a new computer (and accessories) is to have to dig even more money out of your pocket for it.

Then we'd rather go home and think about it; which means we forget all about it as soon as we step out the door.

Antivirus is as important today as it was 5 years ago

Actually, the offer isn't that bad, because the vast majority of computer users will benefit greatly from an antivirus programme.

However, it certainly doesn't have to be what they sell with the computer. As a rule, it's a good idea to keep your wits about you and find the best fit for you and your needs.

If you're out there and you haven't got yourself an antivirus programme yet, read on.

The purpose of this article is to give you an overview of why an antivirus programme is such a good idea. We'll also discuss whether you really need antivirus software for Macs, the difference between free and paid variants, and what you can do to take extra care of your personal files and photos, for example by Store images in the cloud.

 

Why antivirus is important for the average computer user in 2022

We live in a global world where we spend more and more time online, whether it's on social media, blogs, webshops, bingo sites, news sites or something else entirely. As we spend more and more time online, we've also become more careful about the sites we view and the emails that land in our inboxes.
antivirus

Always use your common sense

For example, we have learnt that SKAT does not ask us for personal information in an email And that we shouldn't just believe the story that our aunt is stranded in Africa and needs money to get home.

Our common sense and vigilance against fraudsters has taken us a long way from just a few years ago.

But as our vigilance against the familiar scams increases, so does the creativity of the scammers in devising new ways to deceive us: their emails are suddenly written in proper Danish with letters like æ, ø and å, and often appear to come from completely credible sources. They've also crept into social media, trying to lure people into clicking on various links.

And who honestly wouldn't click on a link sent by an acquaintance?

This is where the trap closes.

Our common sense can keep us safe for a long time, but if you use the internet on a daily basis, there is still a risk that you will fall into one of these cunning and well-crafted traps at some point.

antivirus protection

An extra shield for your computer

If you're unlucky enough to fall into one of these traps, antivirus software comes into its own.

A comparison to reality could be a bicycle helmet. Fortunately, most people will never need its protective properties, but we use it anyway because it keeps us safe in case of an accident.

The same is true for an antivirus programme.

If you should ever fall into a scammer's trap, you can be saved by having antivirus software installed on your computer.

Do Mac users need to install antivirus?

The short answer is: Yes, you can.

All computer users can benefit from an antivirus programme if they use their computer to access the internet or read emails.

Back when there were only a few computer users with a Mac computer, there was less need for antivirus software. Today, you see more and more Macs around - you only have to walk into a random high school, college or business to come across them.

As Apple has taken a larger and larger share of the computer market, Mac users are no longer safe without antivirus. Fraudsters and criminals have started to develop viruses that either specifically target Mac users or can affect Mac and Windows computers at the same time.

However, it's worth noting that many antivirus programmes are suitable for either Mac or Windows. Therefore, you may not be able to use your usual antivirus programme if you switch between the two platforms.

An important question comes to mind: Free or paid antivirus?

antivirus

Should I choose a free or paid antivirus for my computer?

Basically, it's completely up to you. There are many great antivirus programmes in both categories (for both Mac and Windows), which means you have endless choices. And yes, antivirus software can be expensive. But they don't have to be.

At Onlime.dk we recommend that you always choose to pay for antivirus. We do this for a reason.

A free antivirus programme is only free for your wallet. Instead, you pay with your data and compromise your privacy security.

So while the programme may be free for your wallet, you have no control over how the provider stores your personal data. Is this a risk you want to take? As I said, it's entirely up to you.

However, if you choose a free antivirus programme, you should always read the conditions for storing your data carefully. You should also choose a provider that stores your data in the EU, as it will fall under the new GDPR rules.

Always have a backup of your files

In the unlikely event of an accident, you could lose all your files. It's important to emphasise that nothing is 100 % safe - not even antivirus.

If you are unlucky enough to get a virus that either locks you out of your computer or results in you losing all your files, antivirus software cannot help you get your files back.

That's why we recommend that you always make a backup of your most important files and Picturesso you can't lose them. Of course, you choose whether you want to do this backup offline, such as an external hard drive or USB, or online in the cloud like here at Onlime.

Sum total

To summarise very briefly:

  • You can go a long way by using your common sense. Be sceptical and critical when you go online and read your emails!
  • When you use your computer to access the internet or read emails (which everyone does), a good antivirus programme will serve you well. 
  • If you have a Mac, antivirus is still important to have.
  • Fraudsters and criminals are constantly inventing new ways to lure us into their traps. A good antivirus software keeps itself updated to help protect you from unwanted access to your files and information.

If you look after your computer, you'll look after yourself. Use common sense, get a good antivirus programme and always back up your files to be on the safe side.