Advantages And Disadvantages Of Computer Security Software

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WHAT IS COMPUTER SECURITY SOFTWARE?

Security software is any type of software that secures and protects a computer, network or any computing-enabled device. It manages access control, provides data protection, secures the system against viruses and network/Internet based intrusions, and defends against other system-level security risks.

Security software is a broad term that encompasses a suite of different types of software that deliver data and computer and network security in various forms. Security software can protect a computer from viruses, malware, unauthorized users and other security exploits originating from the Internet. Types of security software include anti-virus software, firewall software, network security software, Internet security software, malware/spamware removal and protection software, cryptographic software, and more.

In end-user computing environments, anti-virus and anti-spam software is the most common type of software used, whereas enterprise users add a firewall and intrusion detection system on top of it.

Security software is designed to protect and secure servers, laptops, mobile devices, and networks from unauthorized access, intrusions, viruses, and other threats. Security software can help defend data, users, systems, and companies from a wide range of risks.

How security software and security appliances differ

Organizations can use both security appliances and security software and applications to protect their network environment.

Security appliances

A security appliance is a device or server that can block unwanted traffic from entering the network. Types of security appliances include:

  • Intrusion detection devices, which can alert security teams to threats that have entered the network.
  • Email security appliances, which can block and detect email-borne threats like malware and spam.
  • Unified threat management (UTM) appliances, which can handle multiple functions, including antivirus intrusion detection and prevention, content filtering, and more. With UTM appliances, organizations can combine several security capabilities from one vendor and manage them through a single console.

Security software and applications, such as advanced malware protection software or email security applications, can be installed on devices and nodes across the network. In addition to protecting networks, security software and applications can help organizations secure servers, laptops, and mobile devices from unauthorized access and other threats.

Commonly used security software programs

Organizations deploy different types of security software to monitor different situations. Here are some examples of leading security software applications.

Advanced malware protection software

Traditional software programs that scan for, detect, and remove software viruses and malicious software like worms and Trojans have become ineffective. Advanced malware protection software has become the new standard.

Advanced malware protection is a security solution that addresses the full lifecycle of the advanced malware problem. It prevents breaches and gives the visibility, context, and control needed to rapidly detect, contain, and remediate threats if they evade frontline defenses.


Application security software

Modern businesses rely heavily on a wide range of applications for communication, collaboration, data analytics, and more. They need to monitor which applications are running in their environment, what those applications are doing, and–most importantly–who is accessing them.

Many firms rely on multi-factor authentication (MFA) software to help secure their applications. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most widely used forms of MFA. The 2FA process requires a user to provide a username and password, and then enter a code generated by the 2FA application or respond to a notification on a device such as smartphone.

With a strong 2FA solution, businesses can verify the identity of a user before granting access to corporate information and resources, and even enable secure access to all applications so users have a seamless and consistent login experience to all the applications they are authorized to access.


Firewall software

Firewall software can prevent unauthorized access to or from private networks. Firewalls can also be hardware, and firewall software and hardware are often used together.


Endpoint security software

This type of software helps to protect the data and workflows related to the various devices–such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets–that connect to a corporate network.


Web security software

Web security software can monitor inbound and outbound web traffic to help reduce the risk of sensitive data theft or leakage. It can also provide protection from zero-day threats (threats that leverages unknown vulnerabilities).


Network security software

Network security software helps businesses detect and stop unauthorized network access due to phishing, spyware, and more. It can also help to protect data in transit and at rest. Network security solutions include:

  • Identity and access management (IAM). IT administrators use IAM solutions to manage users’ digital identities and related access privileges securely and effectively. They can set up and modify user roles, track and report on user activity, and more to protect data security and privacy.
  • Next-generation IPS (NGIPS). NGIPS threat appliances provide network visibility, security intelligence, automation, and advanced threat protection. They can inspect the network perimeter, and they can track the progression of suspect files and malware across the network to prevent the spread of outbreaks and reinfection.
  • Security information and event management (SIEM). Many organizations use SIEM products for real-time reporting and long-term analysis of security events. These products include physical and virtual appliances and server software. They make the task of collecting, correlating, and action on threat information easier for security teams.
  • Network security analytics. Advanced network security analytics solutions offer organizations comprehensive threat visibility into the extended network. They can simplify network segmentation by using behavioral modeling, machine learning, and global threat intelligence.

Email security software

Email gateways are the top vector for a security breach. Phishing, ransomware, business email compromise, and other inbound threats are just some examples of threats that email security software can help detect and deflect. Email security applications can also control outbound messages to help prevent the loss of sensitive data.


Internet of Things (IoT) security software

As the IoT expands, organizations need security software to help them understand what is touching their network, handle more complex access management tasks, secure endpoint access, and much more.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Computer Security Software

The computer which we use today has become an important part in our daily life. Without them it is almost impossible for our daily works as well as our professions. And also when using them we always wanted to ensure safety and privacy especially from viruses.

Antivirus software is designed to remove viruses off your computer. Without an antivirus program your system will be vulnerable to viruses and other threats. Apart from removing viruses, an antivirus software does have other major benefits. Whether it is a desktop used in home or office, it is essential for an antivirus software to be installed in them. While using them users can come across drawbacks as well.

Advantages of Antivirus And Computer Security Softwares

1. Virus Protection

The main role of an antivirus program is to stand against viruses and other forms of malwares. The viruses will not only cause damages to your data, it can degrade the overall system performance. All of them can happen without your knowledge. The antivirus software installed on your computer detects and removes these malwares before they cause any harms to your computer.

2. Spyware Protection

Spyware as the name suggests is a kind of malware that spies on your computer stealing all the confidential informations. These details also include credit card details, passwords and other financial datas. This ultimately leads to identity theft. The antivirus software has the capability to prevent these kinds of spyware attacks.

3. Web Protection

While surfing the internet, users can come across various other forms of threats. In an untrustworthy sites, cyber attackers can gather your credit card and bank account details. One of the way to overcome this is by using an antivirus software. Using antivirus program you can protect your valuable informations while surfing the web.
4. Spam Protection

Viruses can also enter your computer through means of spam emails and ads. These emails and ads can show up many times even if your have no interest in it. Once the virus finds the way to sneak into your PC it cause irreversible damages. An Antivirus works by the way of blocking these spam emails and ads.

5. Firewall Protection

Most antivirus programs include a firewall feature in them. Antivirus program with firewall feature ensures 2 way protection to your PC. This means that whatever the information that is sent or received will be double checked here. Therefore, no hackers can dig any personal informations from your system.

6. Cost Effective

Even thought there are many premium versions of antivirus programs for a monthly/yearly subscription fee, there are some antivirus programs those are completely free of charge. These kinds of antivirus programs offer almost the same level of protection provided by the subscription based. Even if you choose to afford a premium version, they are relatively inexpensive.

Disadvantages of Antivirus And Security Softwares

1. System Slowdown

Using an antivirus program means that a lot of resources from the memory and the hard drive is being used. As a result it can drastically slowdown overall speed of the computer. Moreover, the process of scanning can also cause lags in the network.

2. No Complete Protection

If you are using a free antivirus program, there is no guarantee that it will provide you the complete protection. Most free antivirus programs out there only offer a basic level of protection. Moreover they are capable of identifying only certain types of threats. In order for acquiring complete level of protection, you have to use a firewall as well.

3. Security Holes

When security holes are present inside the operating system or the networking software, it will provide a chance for the virus to bypass the antivirus software. Unless the user takes actions to keep it update, the antivirus software won’t be effective.

4. Limited Detection Techniques

For identifying a potential threat, there are always more than one method available. However in the case of antivirus program, it mostly executes the method of virus scanning. Basically what happens in the process of scanning is, it will try to search for the virus code patterns. Sometimes the antivirus programs can give you false alarms if the scanning matches with the normal file. Furthermore, if there are any new types of viruses the antivirus program will fail to identify it completely. That is the reason why antivirus software needs to be updated often.


5. Frequent Advertisements

Apart from premium versions of antivirus programs, through some means the free antivirus softwares needs to generate an income. Advertising is one of the ways to achieve them. Many at times these advertisements degrade user experience by showing up every time.


6. No Customer Support

Another drawback of a free antivirus program is that it lacks on the side of customer support. Unless you pay for the premium version, there won’t be any customer support given to you. In the event of any problem, the only way to overcome is through

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