Fifteen features of good antivirus software

So you’re looking for an antivirus solution, but what defines a good one?

It’s easy to get lost in the hundreds of options available on the market, given that each one of them promises full-on protection from malware. In this post, we go over 15 features to look for in antivirus software.

Real-time malware detection

This feature helps detect threats instantly. Once you open a file or install an app on your device, the software will scan it for viruses. Moreover, real-time antivirus software works around the clock, continually monitoring all programs running on your computer.

A firewall

A firewall is a program that blocks unauthorized access to your home network system, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic and analyzing various programs that may exploit vulnerabilities to hack your devices.

Banner protection

Banners are screen blockers, usually of an advertising nature, but some of them can be malicious. The anti-banner feature protects your computer when you browse the web, so you don’t catch a virus after clicking on a banner accidentally.

Vulnerability detection

Viruses tend to find their way into a system by exploiting vulnerabilities in the programs on your computer. Good antivirus software should be able to detect the weaknesses in your apps and inform you about security flaws. If your business is looking to identify in-depth security vulnerabilities, then consider penetration testing that is the best form of identifying weaknesses in your systems and devices.

Scheduled scans

Any antivirus solution can be put to use upon request, but some of them can be adjusted to run a scheduled scan at a convenient time for you, for example, once a day at midnight. On top of that, good antivirus software can quarantine malicious files instantly, without requesting your confirmation.

Data encryption

You can use antivirus software to encrypt your hard disk or separate files so that hackers can’t get access to them in case your computer is stolen. Chances of decrypting the files locked this way are basically non-existent.

Traffic encryption

Traffic encryption safeguards your sensitive information whenever you connect to public networks. With this feature, all outgoing traffic will be encrypted, which leaves cybercriminals no chance to intercept and steal your passwords, personal or financial information.

Malicious sites access

Antivirus software should rely on an internal database of potentially malicious websites to warn the user about the danger and even go as far as blocking access to a specific website.

Email protection

Many antiviruses are capable of filtering spam in your email box. To do this, they turn to the database of unreliable domains and use algorithms for capturing spam. However, this feature may not be a good fit if you have a high volume of incoming emails because there’s a small chance an important message can be filtered out.

Protection for remote work

Some websites can install malware and unnecessary extensions on your computer and even steal your data. Antivirus software should block all kinds of suspicious activities and prevent attempts to infect your computer, which is crucial when you work online.

Endorsing operating system updates

It’s a handy feature that lets you update your operating system and other software regularly. Updates are essential for the safety of your computer as they usually come with security patches. It helps keep cybercriminals at bay who are good at exploiting vulnerabilities in older software versions.

Various devices to manage

The feature is useful for businesses and organizations. It allows the system administrator to access and configure antivirus software on a specific computer in a network on condition that all computers run a single antivirus license.

Reduced activity mode

Many programs are extremely demanding in terms of resources. Antivirus software can also create a severe load on the processor and take up a lot of RAM. Thus, it’s useful when the solution can monitor and adjust the load by disabling the unnecessary services, which boosts the computer’s performance.

Equipment protection

Some antivirus solutions have useful properties that can protect the webcam and microphone from hacking. In case a malicious program attempts to gain access to the equipment, the software will immediately notify the user about this and suggest further actions.

Anti-phishing protection

Phishing is a widespread form of Internet scam that aims to access the user’s financial data. Typically disguised to look like a legitimate brand, malicious websites make users give away their personal information. The anti-phishing feature can discern an original web page from a bogus one.

Final word

While having proven antivirus software is necessary, sometimes it’s not enough to shield your personal information from hackers. Click to find out more about additional steps you can take to stay on the safe side in the connected world we live in.