You are working on an important work assignment, and your security software notification pops up to remind you about an update. What actions do you take?
If you think that installing an antivirus solution is sufficient for protecting your computer, then you are wrong. While the choice for updating or not updating might seem trivial, but making the wrong choice here could prove disastrous. While often people defer updates and keep delaying it, it is not a good practice. Delaying the software update will only make your device more vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Here are six reasons why it is important to install antivirus software updates
- Updated Virus Signature Definitions
Signature files of viruses include names, data, and behavior of all the new and old viruses. Some security software updates the signature files on a day-to-day basis. Since new viruses and malware appear every day, it is essential to have an updated virus signature file. To keep your computer protected from the latest threats, you need to install antivirus updates as and when they appear.
- Maintenance Of Scan Engine
Signature files are stored in scan engines. Scan engines perform the essential role of scanning computers. In case any malware gets identified, the scan engine cleans, quarantines, and removes it. While scanning engines do not need to be updated as frequently as virus definition files, it is important to update them so that the antivirus suite can successfully keep up with the updated virus signature file. Outdated scan engines may not know the way to stop or eliminate new malware.
- Fixing Security Holes In The OS
Well, mass cyber attacks have become quite common nowadays. It can be noted from infamous mass attacks that operating systems are susceptible to cyber threats. Updating your security suite will help it to run system checks so that it can find the vulnerabilities and patch them up.
- Up-To-Date Security
The arenas of possibilities when it boils down to cyber-crime are infinite. Every day a brand-new virus surfaces in the digital world and it could not only damage your important files but can also leak or sell your private data. Your antivirus software can become old in a few days so keeping it updated to strengthen your protection is your safest chance at security. Updated antivirus software can not only defend you and your data but also reduces the likelihood of you transferring it to mates.
- Auto Updates Can Be Turned Off
Cyber attackers are at the zenith of their pursuit. Hence, it should not surprise you to know that they can actually fiddle with your security software! Shockingly, they can obtain indirect access to your computer and turn off its auto-update feature, making you exposed to cyber attacks. It provides a false sense of safety to the users that the automatic updates occurring in the backdrop could be shielding their data. Hence, it is suggested that you manually update your antivirus software.
- Data Theft and Breach
In the present era, different kinds of data are stored in the digital form. If you do not update your antivirus, then your confidential data will be put at risk.
Enne Garcia is a self-professed security expert; she has been making the people aware of the security threats. Her passion is to write about Cyber security, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. She writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.
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