Five Reasons to Install Antivirus Software on Your Computer

Phishing for Personal Information

The goal of phishing scams is to trick the victim into providing user names and passwords to provide access to online accounts. In the most basic scam, an email or instant message, which will appear to come from a legitimate institution such as a bank or other type of corporation, will be sent to the potential victim asking the recipient to click a link to update personal information. If the recipient clicks the link, he will be taken to a site that looks exactly like, or close to the appearance of the legitimate corporate website. Instead of the information going to the legitimate company, the information will go to an illegal entity, which will possibly use the information to steal money directly from financial account or steal an individual's identity.

Viruses Damage Programs

A virus is a type of malware in the form of a program. Viruses are often downloaded in virus-infected files, usually originating from peer to peer websites. When the program is run, the virus infects and compromises other programs on your computer. These virus-infected programs can be embedded in software you trust or can be programmed to run automatically when the computer reboots. So a strategy of just not running the program will not prevent your computer from becoming infected by a virus.

Worms Slow Down Computers

A worm is another type of malware that is a program. A worm is less passive than a virus. Worms are usually sent through email and instant messages. They are self-replicating and can spread themselves throughout a computer network with no user action required. Worms increase network traffic, consume bandwidth, and slowing down networks and disrupting work-flow.

Trojan Horses Give Hackers Control of Your Computer

Trojan horses are malware programs that is usually picked up by visiting a malicious website. Trojan horses steal information from a computer and can damage a computer system. Many Trojan horses are in the form of programs that appear to serve a use, but in reality, may allow a hacker to have remote access to your computer system. Hackers can use this access to your computer to steal personal information, steal from your bank account, steal your identity, log every keystroke made on the computer, install malware, or watch what you are doing on the computer (essentially look at your computer screen over your shoulder).

Antivirus Software Fights These Threats

BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2012 can help protect your computer or computer network from these risks with antivirus, antispyware and anti-phishing software. This will help protect your computer and network from damage and identity theft. BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2012 also alerts you to risky websites as you surf the internet. A computer without antivirus software is like a home with no locks on the doors. Protecting your computer is as important as protecting your home and for almost the same reason, to protect yourself and your property.