Don’t underestimate the value of updates for your browser and for Windows itself either. A significant number of malware packages exploit older software, which is why Microsoft and the browser makers are continually issuing updates to plug holes and patch up vulnerabilities. If you’re running the latest version of Windows and the latest version of your browser, that’s another line of defense.
Antivirus software typically adds several elements to the mix, though it varies between packages: You might get a VPN included, for example, as well as parental controls, a password manager, and some secure cloud storage for your files. There are also often monitoring tools to look out for data hacks and leaks that might include your personal information (from credit card numbers to login details).
Dedicated antivirus programs will often be more proactive than Windows’ own solution, scanning incoming data as it arrives on the network and looking out for connected devices—like smart home gadgets—that may not have comprehensive privacy and security protections of their own. As the built-in Windows antivirus tool has improved, these third-party options have evolved to offer more and more functionality.
Do You Need an Antivirus Program?
There’s no simple yes or no answer as to whether you need an antivirus program on Windows. It’s your choice, and if you want to go without one, then you do so at your own risk. The products offered by the big names in the business like Bitdefender and Norton are certainly effective and reliable when it comes to keeping malicious code away from your Windows system.
At the same time, an up-to-date version of Windows, plus Windows Security, plus a current web browser, is a pretty robust setup for most users—and one that a lot of viruses and other malware are going to struggle to get through. Your online activities affect your level of safety too: Spend a lot of time watching and downloading pirated content, for example, and your risk level goes up.
It’s a bit like driving in some ways. Observe the speed limits, keep your eyes on the road, follow the signs, stick to the parts of town you’re most familiar with, and you’re going to stay out of trouble most of the time—but you’re going to be even safer in an armored car and with a police escort.
It’s worth noting that neither setup is 100 percent guaranteed to keep you safe all of the time. Also, it’s ironic, but sometimes installing an antivirus program comes with its own security risks.
What’s certainly true is that an antivirus program is no longer a must-have on a modern Windows system. It’s also no longer the first app you have to install. These antivirus packages are now optional extras, giving you some extra peace of mind and additional features that you might consider valuable for your setup.
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