Introduction

Anti-viruses—your computer probably comes with one, you’ve probably bought a subscription to one, and you run scans every so often. Anti-viruses have their place, but they’re not the end-all be-all like some would have you believe; they can’t protect you from everything.

2 Major Cyber Risks in 2020

Phishing – Phishing involves the multitude of scams you receive through your email or through random websites. Ads such as “get a $500 gift card if you fill out this survey” are considered phishing scams. The goal is to manipulate the target into giving out personal information.

Ransomware – While some anti-virus software can detect certain strands of ransomware, many can’t. Ransomware attacks have grown year after year, so it’s important you download a program that helps you avoid it.

3 Security Tools For You

A VPN – A VPN keeps your data encrypted, ensuring that no one besides you can see what you’re doing on a network. Downloading a VPN is simple and especially helpful if you use public networks often.

Anti-Malware – Anti-virus software can catch the big viruses and trojans, but not the smaller forms of malware. Use an anti-malware program to ensure your device is clean from adware, keyloggers, and vice versa.

Vulnerability Scanners – Vulnerability scanners review your device and the network it’s connected to, parsing through any potential vulnerabilities that represent a significant threat to the user. These are useful for identifying potential threats and finding the solutions for said threats.

Conclusion

I don’t want you to walk away from this article believing anti-viruses aren’t useful—they most definitely are. But you shouldn’t count on anti-virus software for all of your cybersecurity needs; some threats can only be dealt with special software.

Consider the ones I’ve told you about, research them, and put some of them to use. That way, you can ensure you’re protected at all times.