Why Windows users live with the fear of viruses and the best free protection solutions
It is the fear and terror of most computer users! Viruses, trojans and all kinds of malware pose a potential threat to users, jeopardizing both the smooth operation of their devices and their personal data - such as credit card codes -, which can be intercepted.
However, viruses cause bigger headaches for Windows users than for those using Apple systems, as well as some Linux distributions.
But how well-founded is the security that Mac and Linux users feel, and why is there the belief that their systems are less at risk than Windows?
Operating system usage rate
It all starts with the usage rates of each operating system.
The graph above shows the usage rates of the main operating systems used by Desktop computer users and is indicative of the prevailing situation: Almost absolute dominance of Windows, with all versions holding over 85% and a small percentage that does not exceed 7% shared between the Mac and Linux operating systems!
Now imagine that you are part of a group of hackers whose goal is to steal credit card numbers from unsuspecting users. Keep in mind that you cannot use the same malware to attack different operating systems. Which operating system would you target?
The above question is clearly rhetorical, as it is obvious that there is no better target than Windows! The huge percentage of use makes "Windows" the most popular operating system worldwide and the price is to be the target of every aspiring malicious program designer who wants "practical results".
The goal of a potential hacker is not to demonstrate their skills by "piercing" more secure systems, but to ensure that they will compromise more computers and steal as much data as possible. Thus, Windows is constantly in the "eye of the storm" with a multitude of malicious programs being designed for them.
The structure of operating systems
Beyond the usage rate that makes Windows a favorite target for hackers, the work of malware creators is facilitated or hindered by the architectural structure of their targets.
Both Mac and Linux are based on UNIX and their operating system differs in several ways from the Windows architecture. The main difference is the ability to make extensive changes to files, which are crucial for the operation of the system. A program that attempts to make changes, in order to "run", needs the approval of a user with administrator rights on the system. The Linux administrator has his own password, while daily use is not done through accounts with administrator rights (root). In contrast, programs in Windows can be installed or uninstalled without the consent of an administrator (administrator). In fact, the fact that the majority of users before the advent of Vista worked with an administrator account made things worse.
Additionally, Linux can operate effectively without the use of a graphical user interface (GUI), which is often chosen by system administrators for security reasons. In contrast, this is impossible in Windows.
UNIX-based systems, such as Mac OSX, are built with a more robust permissions structure, which prevents—in theory at least—unauthorized program execution. While Windows will try to run a program by any means necessary, even if a virus causes serious changes, UNIX will stop it if unauthorized redirection is detected, thus limiting any damage. In general, Apple's operating system is more "closed" than Windows, and when a program wants to modify system files, it is asked for the administrator password.
Finally, there are many who directly accuse Windows of several security holes in the system's design, holes that can be exploited by malicious software.
The operating system user
The widespread use of Windows is, according to many, based on its ease of use, which even if it is not the case today (there are extremely user-friendly Linux distributions), the long-standing familiarity with this operating system pushes the public to choose it.
On the contrary, Linux is surrounded by the aura of a "mysterious" and difficult system. The result is that users who try to use it will have the minimum knowledge background to avoid "mischief". After all, the chances of catching a virus increase with the way each user handles their system and therefore the knowledge they have.
But are Macs and Linux completely shielded?
The answer to this question is no. Even though the chances of catching a virus are significantly lower on a Mac computer and a Linux operating system, no one is immune to malware, even if it is not a “virus”.
Every piece of software or add-on installed on an Apple computer that is connected to the internet brings with it its own set of vulnerabilities. The most common way a Mac is attacked is through third-party browsers - other than Safari - and plugins like Adobe Reader, Flash and Java, extensions that most users have installed.
Another “Achilles heel” of Macs is the apparent security that users believe they enjoy. The belief that they are invulnerable to malware - and therefore leave their computer unchecked - makes them vulnerable. A typical example is what occurred in April 2012, when a Russian company that designs antivirus software revealed that more than half a million Mac computers were infected with malware designed to steal personal data. Not coincidentally, the software exploited vulnerabilities in Java.
How can we protect ourselves?
Antivirus programs and comprehensive security suites can offer basic protection against malware. However, even these do not guarantee absolute security against threats if we do not take care of the protection of our Windows computer ourselves. A basic task that we should not skip is to have downloaded and installed the latest security updates provided by Microsoft. Needless to say, using an operating system that has ceased to be supported by the creator, such as Windows XP, offers anything but security.
In addition, we make sure to keep the basic programs we use updated, such as Java or Adobe Flash Player. Then, our habits as users can get us into trouble. For example, downloading cracked software from unreliable sources, in addition to being an illegal activity, can get us into trouble, as it is possible that it contains malware.
Antiviruses
When it comes to antivirus programs, there are a number of solutions on the market, but they are expensive. However, there are also free solutions that are extremely reliable and provide good protection against malware.
Below is a list of five recommended free antiviruses, based on their market share (source: OPSWAT) as well as feedback from the tech community on their effectiveness.
The basic free protection for every Windows user. Although in most tests and measurements, it is accepted as a minimum means of protection and not as a serious candidate, it provides the minimum protection that every user should have. Microsoft agrees with this, which does not try to compete with the proposals of specialized companies in the field with this program. In fact, the program is extremely lightweight.
The second most popular protection program after Microsoft Security Essentials, held 15.9% of the market in January 2014, and rightly so, since in laboratory measurements it scores high in cleaning an already infected system and in rapidly updating for new threats.
The third most popular free antivirus is a program that also scores high in measurements, both in terms of cleaning infected systems and real-time security.
Avira gets good ratings in the metrics, with particularly high praise for its real-time protection from potential enemies. However, a major drawback is that it doesn't offer free technical support, so if something does come up, you're on your own unless you pay to get help from the "Experts Market.".
BitDefender Antivirus Free Edition 2014
It could also be described as "the unfair, free antivirus": Although it does not hold a large market share, BitDefender scores excellent metrics in terms of its effectiveness, while also being incredibly lightweight.
Source: newsbeast.gr
