At this point, our devices and networks should be advanced enough to not require antivirus software anymore, right? Wrong. Many people today are lulled into a false sense that the online landscape is not terribly dangerous and that they don’t need additional safeguards besides what their devices already have.
But here’s where they could not be more wrong – viruses and malware preying on our devices continue to adapt, getting more sophisticated and insidious than ever. And because of their growing adaptability, keeping up with all the new threats that are springing up all the time is a daunting task that not every AV platform can handle optimally.
What makes the problem even more complicated is that today’s technological sphere has evolved to include more different kinds of devices than ever. Laptops, phones, smart appliances, IoT equipment, and even TVs, all of these have become convenient vectors for increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
Why antivirus software is absolutely necessary in 2025
The truth is, that some devices require more antivirus protection than others. Then, there are some that need very little – like iPhones, as some would argue since Apple’s operating system provides solid security protection that makes it immensely difficult for malware to worm through.
However, no device or operating system is completely secure by default. Just because it comes with pre-installed AV software does not mean it is perfect. Let’s take Microsoft’s Windows Defender, one of the best solutions of its kind out there with features like parental control and password managers, as an example.
Specifically, the catch with Windows’ built-in security is that the best protection can only be guaranteed alongside consistent use of Microsoft’s other products across the board. In other words, this means using Edge instead of Firefox or Chrome, Office 365 instead of Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams instead of Zoom or Meet, and so on.
The problem is, if you’re insistent on using alternatives to Microsoft’s products and come upon a malicious website, there isn’t much to keep you safe other than the browser’s default protection. These alternatives are not within Defender’s scope, so a third-party application might offer more comprehensive protection.
So, what’s the solution? Obviously, the worst thing you could do to yourself and your devices that hold sensitive data is to leave them without antivirus protection, but you should also avoid relying exclusively or blindly on just any software, pre-installed or not. Simply put, it truly is not the issue of ‘if’ you should have antivirus software but rather ‘which one.’
Which antivirus software is the right one?
Again, the answer is far from simple since it depends on many different factors, including the antivirus software’s particular features, the level of protection and efficiency it offers, how easy it is to use for different types of users, how much of the device’s resources it requires, and, of course – the price.
Features
The main thing here is whether all the bells and whistles are the right fit for your device. Depending on the device’s purpose — personal use, remote work, business utilization, enterprise development – the required features will differ.
This means that, in addition to providing core security functionalities, it needs to offer features required by certain categories of users. For example, these might include a password manager, a file shredder, file encryption, cloud storage, a VPN to keep online activities private, parental controls to manage children’s safety on the web, and the like.
Level of protection
Considering the sheer variety of vulnerable devices currently in existence (and in production for the future), they all will require specific levels and types of protection suitable for their distinct needs.
For instance, some AV platforms focus on providing strong browser protection, others include additional network security in the form of firewall options, and some arrive equipped with a secure VPN, identity theft protection, and dark web scanning. Then, there are those with superior tools primarily designed to eliminate tough threats.
Ease of use
Obviously, the selected antivirus software should also be easy to deploy for any user and their level of proficiency in all things software and electronic devices. The reality is that different categories of users have different skills and experiences when it comes to staying safe from viruses and malware.
Hence, a user-friendly and intuitive interface with clear and easily accessible features is a must for a basic user to manage their device’s security efficiently, whereas a more tech-savvy individual could tolerate a few complexities here and there.
System impact and compatibility
Much like any other program installed on a device, antivirus software is bound to take up a certain amount of resources, such as memory or CPU. Sometimes, this may affect its speed and performance, forcing the user to question whether having it is even worth the level of protection and peace of mind it offers.
For this reason, it is important to consider the software’s system impact, as well as the compatibility between an AV platform and the device’s characteristics, especially if it’s an older device. On top of that, cross-platform protection with minimal impact on performance might be a particular convenience for users of multiple different devices.
Price
Finally, you should consider how much you are willing or able to fork out for antivirus software, as there are free options or free limited versions of premium antimalware programs like Malwarebytes. At the same time, there are more advanced AV platforms with multiple paid tiers depending on the included features.
In short, free AV options offer basic protection, covering essentials like virus scanning and removal but without the more advanced options. On the other hand, paid solutions typically offer a more comprehensive defense, including real-time system and web monitoring, along with extras like identity protection and file encryption.
Final words
Unless you’re using devices that are totally isolated and removed from all networks – wireless or wired – with all ports and removable media drives disabled or entirely eliminated, and with no access to people (which is highly unlikely), leaving them without an AV protection is not a good idea.
As time goes by and new viruses and vulnerabilities appear, it is becoming increasingly more challenging to keep up in terms of device security. Therefore, you should never let your guard down – use strong, up-to-date antivirus software combined with practicing proper security hygiene. Malicious actors will certainly not let you drop the ball.
