Windows Central Insider
At a time when cybersecurity is more fragile than ever and it feels like there’s a scam happening around every corner, using the right antivirus software on your computer has once again become a popular talking point.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of antivirus myths floating around, which can ultimately harm your PC more than help it when they turn out wrong (or lack full details). Let’s dispel five big antivirus myths right here so that you can make the right decision when it comes to your security and privacy.
TL;DR:
- Windows Defender is a decent Windows antivirus that many users rely on, but it’s simply nowhere close to offering the same number of tools or the same level of protection against a wide range of threats as a third-party antivirus like Bitdefender.
- Avoiding malware isn’t just about being careful online. With how many delivery methods there are these days, any PC can be infected if it doesn’t have proper antivirus protection.
- A modern antivirus like Bitdefender no longer slows down a PC like it used to, all thanks to intelligent threat analysis and much more efficient software.
- The best antivirus software automatically handles threats from all angles, no manual action required.
- An antivirus like Bitdefender can protect against far more than just run-of-the-mill viruses, which is crucial in today’s internet that’s full of myriad threats.
1. Windows is already secure enough without an antivirus like Bitdefender
The built-in Windows Defender antivirus has come a long way in recent years, and many people assume it’s “good enough” to keep them protected. In fact, Microsoft’s official stance is that it’s usually sufficient for most PC users in battling basic malware.
However, Windows Defender is rather basic in its approach – good for most but not advanced enough for all-out protection.
How does Bitdefender go beyond Windows Defender?
With something like Bitdefender Ultimate Security, you get so much more than what Windows Defender can offer. Features include real-time scam, identity, and ransomware protection powered by AI, powerful VPN access, parental controls, password manager, and many other useful tools.
And because Bitdefender scores so high in independent tests, you can rest assured that you’re getting some of the most efficient tools in battling emerging threats before they have a chance to take hold of your system.
2. I don’t need an antivirus if I’m careful online
Even the most ardent online citizens can fall victim to traps placed by bad actors, whether they arrive in the form of phishing emails, dodgy file downloads, zero-day software exploits, open network connections, or myriad other common malware delivery methods.
Saying you don’t need an antivirus because you’re careful online is like saying you don’t need a seatbelt because you don’t drive fast.
Adding one of Bitdefender’s security plans to your PC is making the safe bet and assuming that at some point, whether you know it or not, you’re going to encounter some nasty malware that wants into your system.
3. Antivirus software slows down my PC
Although antivirus software used to impact the performance of PCs from eras gone by, the myth that it still slows down modern hardware is simply not true.
An antivirus like Bitdefender is made to run in the background, providing real-time threat protection while you work. It’s designed to use minimal system resources, even when it’s scanning your system, allowing you to continue on with regular work without being interrupted.
How does Bitdefender’s scanning tech work?
Bitdefender has a unique AI-powered scanning tech called Photon that significantly reduces the performance impact of a full-system scan. Photon is available with Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Bitdefender Total Security, Bitdefender Premium Security, and Bitdefender Ultimate Security.
Photon separates files known to be safe from files that could pose a threat, learning over time how to better differentiate on your PC specifically. This speeds up scans while reducing system load, making it even less noticeable over time.
Beyond Photon, Bitdefender also employs cloud-based scanning that moves intensive malware analysis to its own servers, leaving your PC free to do its thing.
4. Antivirus software needs to be run manually
A modern antivirus like Bitdefender is designed to be as hands-off as possible, allowing you to focus on what’s important.
It operates automatically in the background to keep your PC safe in real time, whether it’s delivering crucial updates, scanning downloaded files, or keeping an eye on overall system health.
Sure, you can run manual scans and set up your own rules as needed, but you certainly don’t have to be a computer whiz to get the same level of protection as everyone else who uses powerful antivirus software like Bitdefender.
5. Antivirus software only protects against viruses
The days of antivirus software only protecting against run-of-the-mill viruses are over, and a proper AV like Bitdefender protects against so much more. That’s especially important today, when bad actors are dealing in advanced ransomware, phishing, and spyware attacks.
Beyond offering full protection against all forms of malware, the best antivirus software can protect your PC against visiting harmful websites, webcam and microphone hijacking, web traffic snooping, direct attacks, and more.
If you want to be sure that your PC, data, and privacy are as protected as possible, there’s no better way than with a proper antivirus like Bitdefender.
