6 trillion dollars! That’s how much experts estimate cybercrime will cost the world by 2021. Let that sink in for a moment. For perspective, this is several times what the cumulative illegal drug trade is worth. In fact, it is the biggest transfer of economic wealth ever. Cybercriminals are lurking everywhere on the internet, which means there is always the risk of a breach. The best means of defense is robust internet security protection.
Internet Security Protection in 2019
Using internet security software is more than just good practice, especially in 2019. It is so much more than that. In the modern digital age, internet security programs are essential. They are a necessity if keeping your information, network, and data safe is a priority for you. It’s not a quirky add-on to your existing anti-virus protection and is extremely critical for internet safety. If you have been lax about internet security and antivirus software, you need to rethink your digital habits. Not using strong antivirus and internet security programs expose your network and devices to undesirable elements.
The Difference Between Internet Security and Antivirus Programs
Most people, even in 2019, aren’t clear on the difference between an antivirus program and an internet security program. But the difference is pretty straightforward. Antivirus programs are designed to handle malware and viruses. It takes care of harmful elements that have already infected your computer or device. Internet security programs, on the other hand, have a broader scope than an antivirus program. They offer protection against a larger variety of threats while you’re on the internet. Internet security programs keep your unlimited high-speed internet browsing sessions safe. They defend you against ransomware, spam-ware, spyware, rootkits, etc.
Why You Need Internet Security Software
So why exactly do you need internet security protection? The answer is because it offers protection from many threats that a simple antivirus cannot handle. Internet security programs offer advanced firewall protection and management. This allows you to monitor all incoming and outgoing web traffic and information over your network. This automatically prevents cybercriminals from accessing your data through flaws in Symantec endpoint security.
Another important point to consider is that most internet security suites monitor the URLs you access during your browsing. This is something an antivirus program cannot do. Your internet security program will monitor all accessed URLs to check if any of them belong to known phishing websites. Depending on your settings, the program will automatically block such URLs or send you a warning notification, or both.
What Advanced Features Can You Get?
Internet security software usually has many more features than your standard internet antivirus. This is because internet security programs have a larger variety of threats to protect you from. Some of the more common and important features you get with such programs include:
- Popular email client integration, which helps you scan your incoming and outgoing emails and attachments on your desktop email application. This ensures no infected files or malware make it on to your computer via email.
- Advanced protection against most forms of malware like spyware, ransomware, spam, and rootkits.
- Advanced optimization tools, which include disk defragmenters and junk cleaners.
- Parental control features, which allow you to block inappropriate web content.
- Advanced zero-day protection against new types of malware. Internet security programs make use of sophisticated algorithms to monitor new file activity and detect any suspicious patterns.
- Wi-Fi security tools, which help you assess the security of the connection points over your Wi-Fi network. Some security suites even include VPNs.
Popular Internet Protection Programs
So you now know why internet security protection is so important. It is much more than just another piece of software that’s “nice” to have. Internet security programs are essential for your digital security, which means you need to choose yours carefully. However, this does not mean you should forego having antivirus software installed. In my experience, McAfee offers a great antivirus and internet security suite. If you’re not that fond of McAfee, Norton also has a great antivirus program as well as a stellar internet security suite. It is best to get the antivirus and security suite together.
One last point to consider. Most internet service providers offer robust internet security suites with their services. For example, the Cox Security Suite is an excellent option that complies with industry standards and is powered by McAfee. Check with Cox internet customer service for more information. They will help you with installing, setting up, and configuring your security suite. However, if you would prefer a different program, you can always disable or uninstall the Cox suite.
