How to protect yourself with security software?
Anyone who surfs the Internet unprotected is entering a real minefield. All kinds of dangers lurk around every corner. It could be a criminal who gains access to the WLAN and uses it to upload and download illegal content. But this can also be an infected website.
Therefore, you should be prepared for everything on the Internet and be as well-armed as possible for any eventuality. However, the dangers are not always easy to see, so people face many questions about the risks on the Internet and protection against these threats. So, what is security software? How does security software work? And which applications are urgently needed?
What is security software?
This question seems easy to answer: security software ensures that criminals stay outside and that your system works perfectly. So it creates a secure digital environment.
Experts in this field define security software according to its area of application or the so-called security goal. It means that security software is always designed for a specific application area: authenticity, authorization, billing, integrity, confidentiality, availability, liability/non-denial or anonymization.
In any case, authenticity has great importance. If the software turns out to be an original product that was published by a well-known company, the user immediately gains trust. After all, he deals with a trustworthy source whose software can be installed and used without hesitation.
Other users rely on the privacy settings of their browsers to surf anonymously. Some fall under the mistake of not being able to track them this way. However, the pages visited still appear in the logs of the service provider.
Antivirus program and firewall
The user should carefully consider which security goals affect him. And what he can before starting the search for suitable security software.
When looking at the market, it quickly becomes apparent that numerous software packages want to serve several set security goals. An antivirus program often comes in a double pack with a firewall or an anonymization tool.
Apart from the router’s encryption, which experts highly recommend, the firewall is the first barrier a hacker has to overcome to gain access to a protected network. A strong firewall offers numerous configuration options. Because not everything that wants to enter the network should be locked out. Many applications on the web must access the Internet to function correctly. Since a network nowadays consists of many parts, such as a PC, notebook, printer, tablet, or even smart TV, it is essential to maintain the firewall. Should therefore manage device by device and program by the program.
A good antivirus program is a must. It ensures that incoming access, e.g., downloaded files, incoming emails, etc., are checked for security. Numerous antivirus programs are available in their basic version free of charge. However, the paid versions, in particular, offer comprehensive protection and support as well as multiple extended functions.
A good antivirus can block hundreds of thousands of threats and warn of potential dangers. It can be configured so that it scans the hard drive (s) regularly – ideally daily – and not only points out threats but also outdated software.
Security systems that think for themselves
For a usual man, it is almost impossible to find their way through the jungle of security software and the dangers it avoids. Every day, the forms of attack are becoming more sophisticated and the malware more complex.
Security programs that think ahead are therefore essential. They check the PC for software that needs to be updated, scan independently for viruses and other malware after initial configuration and always update themselves with the latest data on viruses and Trojans. In this case, the user does not have to do a lot himself after the initial setting. An occasional check is sufficient with a good antivirus program in combination with a firewall. Encryption, once established, is also relatively easy to maintain. And even the back-up for backing up all data can be automated or done manually with just as little effort.
This automation of the security programs is essential nowadays because the digital world is taking on more expansive forms every day. Experts from the BSI also point out the networking of individual components, which pose a growing risk.
In concrete terms, this means: if a network is not adequately secured, a criminal can hack into his victim’s smartphone and use it to tamper with the computer connected or even synchronized with the smartphone. So take care of yourself.