Antivirus: As fast as the digital world is progressing, cyber threats are also increasing at the same pace. In today’s time, laptops, computers and smartphones have become our daily needs. But have you ever wondered how your laptop protects itself from viruses, malware and hacking attacks inside? The answer is antivirus software. It is a digital security guard that keeps your system under surveillance at every moment and helps in removing threats. In this article, we will understand what antivirus is, how it works and how it keeps your laptop safe.
What is antivirus?
In simple words, antivirus is a software that is designed to protect the computer from viruses and harmful programs. Earlier it was used only to remove viruses but today its features have advanced a lot.
Modern antivirus protects the system by detecting phishing, ransomware, spyware, trojans, keyloggers and many other types of malware. It runs continuously in the background and monitors every file, app and internet activity of your laptop, so that any suspicious activity can be detected in time.
How do viruses enter a laptop?
Many people believe that viruses come just by opening wrong websites or downloading free software, but the truth is much bigger than this. Viruses can gain entry into your system in many small ways, such as:
Suspicious links or attachments received in emails
- pirated software
- Infected pen-drive or hard disk
- fake websites
- unsafe file download
- Use of public Wi-Fi
Once the virus enters the laptop, it can corrupt your files, steal data, pass banking information to hackers and even lock the entire system and demand ransom.
How does antivirus work?
The job of antivirus is not just to remove viruses, but to provide a secure environment to the entire system. It works in several stages:
virus scanning
Antivirus scans every file and program present in your laptop. It has thousands of signatures (identifications) of the virus. As soon as a file matches any of these signatures, the antivirus immediately identifies it as a threat.
Real-time protection
This is the most important feature. In this, antivirus continuously monitors your system. As soon as there is any new file, download or activity, the antivirus checks it immediately so that no virus can enter inside.
behavior analysis
Today’s hackers keep creating new viruses, which are not identified in the signature list. In such cases, the antivirus sees the behavior of the file and considers it a threat and blocks it.
Malware removal and quarantine
If any suspicious file is found, the antivirus either deletes it or sends it to the “Quarantine Folder”. Due to this, the file remains separate from the system and cannot cause harm.
web protection
Many antiviruses block fake websites and phishing pages while browsing the internet, keeping your banking and personal details safe.
How does antivirus protect your laptop?
Protects from malware attacks
Dangerous programs like viruses, trojans, ransomware and spyware target your data and privacy. Antivirus detects and removes all these and keeps the system clean.
Makes online banking secure
Most antiviruses have features like “Safe Browser” or “Secure Payment” which keep banking transactions safe from hackers.
protect against hacking
Spyware and keyloggers can record every typing on your keyboard. Antivirus blocks them and your passwords remain safe.
Protection from fake websites
Phishing sites cheat you by creating a copy of the real site like your bank account. Antivirus detects and blocks them immediately.
Improves system performance
Many antiviruses increase the speed of the laptop by removing temporary files, cache and unwanted apps. This makes the system run smoothly.
network security
If you use Wi-Fi, the antivirus also scans the network and checks whether any unknown device has entered your network.
Is antivirus necessary for every laptop?
Yes, no matter how careful you are, there is no dearth of dangers on the Internet. One small click, wrong link or pirated file can put your entire laptop at risk. Therefore, a reliable and updated antivirus is essential for your system.
Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with in-built Windows Defender which provides basic security. But for advanced features, real-time protection and online security, premium antivirus is considered a better option.
Which antivirus to choose?
Keep these things in mind when choosing an antivirus:
- Have real-time protection
- Get Ransomware Protection
- Web and email protection in place
- Do not slow down the system
- Get regular updates
There are many reliable options in the market like Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Norton, Quick Heal, McAfee etc.
If you use a laptop, access the internet, do online banking or handle office work, then antivirus is mandatory for you. It not only protects your files from viruses and malware but also protects your privacy, passwords and money. If you want to stay safe in the digital world, it is very important to make antivirus your first layer of security.
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