Much of what we do in modern society is done within an interconnected space, where digital interactions are just as common, necessary, and authentic as face-to-face ones.

That means that strong and reliable digital security is a prerequisite to ensuring that our interactions—whether they involve buying basic goods or doing business online with other companies—are sufficiently protected, and that we, as digital users, remain safe.

Now that there’s been an increase in the types of cyber threats we’re vulnerable to, ranging from viruses to sophisticated malware, finding the right antivirus software has become a more prominent need than ever. But users may have a hard time choosing the right solution, or even choosing it to onboard at all, thanks to some prevailing misconceptions about how antivirus software works and how necessary it really is.

Being able to separate the fact from the fiction is important considering the kinds of digital threats you’re up against as a consumer and a professional. Find out the truth behind the most common misconceptions surrounding antivirus software and cybersecurity below:

Myth #1: Free Antivirus Software is Ineffective

One very prevalent misconception is that free antivirus software is substantially less effective than its paid counterparts. While paid antivirus programs do come with additional features, such as enhanced firewalls or parental controls, the core virus detection and protection capabilities in free versions are generally quite potent as well. For many users, especially those with basic computing needs, free antivirus solutions can provide adequate protection against common threats.

If you’re deciding on which antivirus solution to purchase and subscribe to, you can look into Total AV reviews and other online resources that can compare between free and paid antivirus solutions and give you honest insight into each of these. It’s best to assess your specific needs and think about particular risks when choosing between free and paid options, rather than outright dismissing free antivirus software as ineffective.

Myth #2: Antivirus Software Slows Down Computers

This misconception stems from earlier times, when antivirus programs required substantial system resources to be able to operate. However, you’ll find that modern antivirus solutions are designed with efficiency in mind. Developers have optimized these programs to guarantee that they provide strong protection without compromising the performance of your computer.

In fact, most antivirus solutions now operate seamlessly in the background, with minimal impact on processing speed or system resources. And as you’ll understand when such a solution is in place, any slight delay introduced by antivirus checks is a small price to pay for the security benefits the software will provide.

Myth #3: There’s No Need to Install Antivirus Software on Mac or Linux Systems

There’s a common belief that Mac and Linux systems are inherently secure and don’t require antivirus protection. This myth is rooted in the behavior of cybercriminals from past decades, who targeted these operating systems less due to their smaller user bases compared to Windows.

But knowing just how popular both Mac and Linux have grown, they haven’t escaped the eye of today’s bad actors. Today, malware designed to target these systems in particular is on the rise, which debunks the myth of their invulnerability. As such, regardless of your operating system, you’ll want to onboard a compatible antivirus solution to sufficiently protect your digital assets from a diverse range of cyber threats.

Myth #4: There’s No Need to Update Your Antivirus Software Regularly

Another common myth is that once you install antivirus software, it doesn’t require regular updates. Sadly, this misconception often undermines the software’s effectiveness and leaves the user more vulnerable than they think. Cybercriminals continually develop new malware and train themselves in novel techniques. If an antivirus program isn’t updated frequently enough, it could become too outdated to counter these evolving methods.

Failing to update your antivirus software on time can leave your system open to newer types of attacks that weren’t known at the time of its last update. That’s why you’ll want to be conscientious about maintaining the efficiency of your antivirus protection. Antivirus software updates typically include new virus definitions and improved algorithms to detect and neutralize imminent threats, which makes the chore of updating your software well worth it as time goes on.

Myth #5: Antivirus Software Can’t Protect Against New Malware

Still others believe that antivirus software is only effective against old and known threats, leaving systems especially vulnerable to new, unknown malware. But remember that contemporary antivirus software is nothing to sneeze at. Modern antivirus programs employ advanced techniques like heuristic analysis and behavior-based detection. These methods enable the software to identify suspicious behavior or patterns characteristic of malware, even if that specific threat has not been previously encountered on the device.

This proactive approach is what allows antivirus software to offer you protection against emerging threats. Staying vigilant and keeping your antivirus software updated further enhances a solution’s ability to guard against new forms of malware.

Myth #6: Antivirus Software Only Protects Against Viruses

While the primary function of antivirus software is to protect against viruses, modern solutions offer a much broader range of protection. Many antivirus programs now defend against various types of malware, including ransomware, spyware, and adware. These also include features like phishing protection, network firewalls, and even web browsing safety tools. This expanded scope of protection showcases the evolution of modern antivirus software from singularly focusing on viruses to encompassing a range of all-in-one comprehensive cybersecurity tools.

Myth #7: Antivirus Software is Unnecessary If One Practices Safe Browsing Habits

Lastly, some believe that practicing safe browsing habits alone will be enough to protect against malware and viruses. And while it’s always good to be cautious about one’s browsing behavior, it’s not a foolproof strategy.

Cyber threats can still manifest in seemingly safe environments, for example through sophisticated phishing scams or through the exploitation of vulnerabilities in legitimate websites. Antivirus software acts as an essential safety net for these, providing users with additional protection even when their browsing habits are discreet.

The Final Byte: Acting on the Truth behind Your Antivirus Solution

Knowing the difference between truths and falsehoods about your antivirus software should empower you to safeguard your digital life more proactively. This should involve reshaping your approach to digital security in a world where cyber threats are ever-evolving and could strike at any time, especially when you’ve fallen complacent. With a better perspective on how antivirus software really works, choose a solution that can keep up with your needs and shield you from the threats you’re most likely to encounter in the digital world.