Can Security Software Make Your Computer More Vulnerable?

In an online world that we live in, privacy has become one of the main priorities. Whether you’re running a company and have a lot of sensitive data or simply want to make sure that your personal information is kept away from the prying eyes, you’ve probably turned to different security measures that should make this possible.

However, what if this exact thing was the cause of potential exposure to attacks? Many people aren’t aware of this, but this is the case far more often than you might think.

Antivirus Software Flaws

Avast, Kaspersky Lab, AVG Technologies – these are all reputable names that have been a symbol of online protection for years now. We feel safe knowing that these companies are keeping our data secured and that out privacy remains unharmed.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. In fact, it’s these security measures that can offer hackers an entry into your sensitive data. Sounds contradictory? Well, it isn’t

Pretty much all security software is vulnerable in some way. Experienced hackers know how to take advantage of these vulnerabilities and break through the layers of security that you’ve set up.

Imagine receiving an email that can infect your computer with aggressive viruses. This is exactly what hackers can do and it’s not the only way that they can invade your privacy. They can also add malicious lines of code to your website without you even knowing about this.

Who Is at Risk?

Unless you have some information that someone else desperately wants to get a hold of, you shouldn’t let this scare you. Despite these software flaws and vulnerabilities, most people don’t experience privacy invasions. Still, there are hackers that do this simply for the fun of it, so you never know when this might happen.

Naturally, businesses are among the categories of users that are exposed to these risks the most. Experts state that attacks are not only possible, but also pretty likely. Some of them even say that these attacks might have already happened to companies without antivirus providers even being aware of them.

Tomer Bitton, an enSilo researcher, said that pretty much every vendor his security company tested was vulnerable to different issues. Even though vendors do their best to patch the security holes, hackers seem to find new ones continuously.

There are all kinds of motives and results of cyber attacks. Corporate espionage, data leaks, and illegal information trading are only some of them. This means that businesses should do their best to minimise the risk of such attacks. But how?

What Can You Do?

If you can’t rely on antivirus software to protect you from attacks, what can you do to remain safe in the digital world? Well, the bad news is that it’s not easy. The good news is that it’s absolutely possible.

What you need to do is develop a strong security strategy that is comprised of far more than just a traditional security solution. The strategy needs to consist of multiple layers and should include next-generation security tools, routine security assessments, and high-quality IT personnel that will keep up to date with the latest security trends.

Every business can also benefit from a reputable company that provides reliable security services. Absolute IT is a good example since cybersecurity is one of their main areas of expertise. A good company needs to be able to share all important information with you on a regular basis and ensure that you’re up to date with everything they are doing to keep you safe.

The Final Word

The importance of cybersecurity will continue to rise. As security measures evolve, so do the abilities of hackers. There’s a slim chance that this war will come to an end in the foreseeable future, so the only thing that you can do is to arm yourself with the best possible security measures.

It is always a good idea to seek advice from industry experts. Make sure to find the best vendors you can afford and a security company that will be able to keep up with new developments in the domain of cybersecurity.

Author’s Bio

Kym Wallis, the founding director of Higher Ranking has over 15 years of advertising sales, digital strategy, and business development experience. He is currently working as Digital Adviser for Integr8IT.