In less than one year, the anti-malware software industry had transformed Cybersecurity. By, April 2020, Covid-19 brought half of the world’s population home. Schools, businesses, shopping, almost all done online in the comfort of the living room. Cybercriminals seized this opportunity to invade both the student, the professional, and the laid-off worker online. Thankfully, Malwarebytes real-time cybersecurity stopped at nothing to protect its users and combat this enemy. Anti-malware software companies as a community met this challenge head-on. As a result, 2020 had a 12% drop in malware detections overall! What does all this mean? Let me break it down for you.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is a software defense system that protects servers, networks, computers, mobile devices, and data from malware attacks.
What is Malware?
Malware is otherwise known as “malicious software”. It is often used to steal personal data from a business or person. It is a program that seeks to intentionally invade, disable, and even take control of all types of computer systems and networks.
These are a few different types of malware:
Viruses: They steal data, collect passwords, and spy on you. They can attach themselves to a file, infecting files throughout your entire computer system.
Ransomware: The most dangerous malware which holds your files hostage by encrypting them unless you pay a ransom.
Trojans: A program that masks itself as a genuine software program to deceive people. Once they are uploaded, they can collect your data and potentially damage your computer.
Spyware: Malware that records the user’s online activity for things like shopping. They are known for capturing credit card numbers along with all the details.
Cybercriminals have different reasons behind malware:
- Making a political statement
- Sabotaging your company
- To steal your data
- Spy on your activity
- To make money off you
How do I avoid getting malware on my computer?
- Secure your home Wi-Fi with a strong password.
- Use anti-virus software.
- Never open email attachments from someone you don’t know.
- Do not click on links from someone you don’t know.
- Be wary of phishing emails trying to profit from Coronavirus.
Who needs real-time cybersecurity software?
Anyone who uses the computer needs an anti-malware software program. Whether you are buying something off Amazon, checking your email, or looking at social media, you will be targeted.
Why Malwarebytes real-time cybersecurity?
Malwarebytes is one of the top contending anti-malware software companies. Offering both a free software package and a paid premium version. Their free version is meant to run alongside a running antivirus program, like an extra layer of protection. But Malwarebytes Premium is a real-time, website blocking, anti-virus software program. Malwarebytes will recognize viruses, ransomware, trojans, and other malware. Upon detection, it will safely remove it and restore any damage it may have caused. Malwarebytes Premium version updates every 15 minutes for real-time protection.
Malwarebytes depends mostly on its heuristic analysis to detect and disable the malware. The heuristic analysis identifies threats based on characteristics and behaviors rather than comparing them against a list of established malware. Malwarebytes heuristic analysis has enabled them to detect threats that otherwise would not have been found.
Unfortunately, Malwarebytes does not provide a firewall, parental controls, network scanning, or a password manager.
Conclusion
Anti-malware software is essential to owning a computer. With plenty of good choices, there is no excuse to go without one. We live in unprecedented times and our computer is often worth more than our bank account. Stay vigilant and pause before you click or download.
https://www.malwarebytes.com/
https://www.bitdefender.com/
https://www.360webdesigns.com/what-level-of-security-does-my-website-need/
