Antivirus software is essential to the security of your business’s information technology (IT) infrastructure. Research shows that 60% of businesses in the United States have experienced a malware attack. Antivirus software, however, can protect your business’s IT infrastructure from viruses and other forms of malware. With that said, there are a few tips you should follow to take full advantage of antivirus software.
#1) Enable Real-Time Protection
If available, you should enable real-time protection. Real-time protection is a feature in many types of antivirus software. It lives up to its namesake by protecting your computer from malware attacks in real time. It will automatically scan data while the data is being loaded. If the data is malicious, the antivirus software will block it.
#2) Scan External Storage Devices
Don’t forget to scan external storage devices for malware as well. Many business owners only use antivirus software to scan their computer’s hard drive. While malware can infect hard drives, it can infect external storage devices as well. Therefore, it’s a good idea to scan all external storage devices for malware.
#3) Update Database
Like all software, antivirus software requires updating. Failure to update your antivirus software won’t necessarily render it useless. Nonetheless, it will make it less effective at defending against potential threats. All types of antivirus software work in conjunction with a database. The database consists of known threats and their corresponding footprints. When a new form of malware is identified, it’s added to the database. But you’ll need to update the database of your antivirus software so that it’s able to protect against these new threats.
#4) Enable Logging
Another feature you should consider enabling in your antivirus software is logging. With logging, your antivirus software will automatically create a record of all activities. It will log each time it scans your computer, and it will log any threats it discovers. This information can prove helpful when dealing with troubling forms of malware, such as viruses. Viruses can self-replicate, so even if you remove them, they may come back. Logging can help you identify viruses and their respective movements on your computer.
#5) Use the Right Type
Not all antivirus software is made equal. Some types of antivirus software are more effective at defending against threats than others. For the sake of your business’s security, you’ll need to use the right type. Choose a premium antivirus software offered by a reliable and trusted name in the field of cybersecurity.
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