Working in Public Spaces? Rely on Antivirus Software

Remote workers rely heavily on their computers, and it takes less than one might think to compromise all the important information contained in a single laptop — especially for those who work remotely. All of you project files, emails, cached personal passwords, and so much more information is stored in your computer’s memory. On top of this, computers themselves are valuable assets and deserve to be protected.

If you’re a remote worker, antivirus protection isn’t just an asset — it’s a necessity.

The biggest benefit of being a remote worker is the ability it affords you to work from anywhere, whether that be a park, library, hotel, or university campus. But with this extra freedom comes a greater risk of contracting dangerous malware. Hackers can easily break into a public network to access your private information, planting malware. So, if you are routinely connecting to different Wi-Fi signals, you need to safeguard your information.

Defending your laptop and personal information with protective antivirus software is the best way to ensure your safety as you work in public spaces.

Anti-Malware Software: What It Protects You Against

You’ve likely heard of anti-virus software, which protects your computer from harmful viruses. Anti-malware on the other hand protects you from viruses and more. But let’s start with why anti-virus protection is so important.

When we access sites, receive messages and emails, and download files, there are countless times throughout the day when we could come in contact with malware, and attacks take several forms.

Password Attacks

A password attack is an attempt to steal your password, with dictionary attacks (which use well-known words to guess your password) and brute force attacks which simply cycle rapidly through several passwords until they find one that works.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks try to trick you into handing over sensitive data yourself. Emails and messages with bad links invite you to click — and that one click could open you up to attack, and put your credit card details or your login credentials at risk.

Drive-by-Download Attacks

Drive-by-download attacks are dangerous because they subtly infect your system with malware, and often times you don’t even realize it’s occurred. Hackers will typically use malicious pop-up windows, phony websites, and predatory emails to target you and then force an infected download — often without your consent or action.

How to Tell if You’ve Been Infected?

If you suspect you might have come under attack, there are a few telltale signs:

• Your computer could crash frequently

• Your email may send unwanted messages to your contacts

• Programs on your computer could be damaged

• You might find that you’re struggling with pop-up windows

• Important files may be deleted

Luckily, by investing in the right antivirus software — especially one that tracks behavioral patterns to identify and isolate malware attacks before they happen — you can rest assured knowing that your laptop or mobile device is protected.

Did you know that hackers attack every 39 seconds, and on average 2,244 times a day? Without reliable protection, you are at risk of your privacy being invaded, your computer being compromised and your information being stolen.

For those who work in many different places, sometimes using public Wi-Fi is the only option. That’s why protecting your computer and its contents is crucial. Once you have the right software installed, you can work from anywhere knowing your information is safe and secure.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes