Is Built-In Antivirus Software Enough To Protect You?

Purchasing a brand-new laptop is a pretty exciting feeling. It almost feels like a clean slate when you’re starting fresh with no clutter and you can set it up the way you like. And it’s normal to ask yourself during this process if you need to install antivirus software.

In the past, the answer was yes absolutely. If you wanted to protect your device, you had to buy an antivirus programme almost immediately. In fact, if you had a PC back in the early 2000s, you might remember that it was so easy to get a virus when connecting to the Internet if you didn’t have that protection in place.

Today, things are a little bit different. New devices typically come with some form of antivirus already built-in like Microsoft Defender for Microsoft or Gatekeeper for Macs.

So naturally, you might be wondering if that protection is good enough or if you still need to pay for additional security.

 

Why Do Devices Have Built-In Antivirus?

 

Since older devices didn’t have built-in protection, if you wanted it, you had to actively purchase it yourself. There were cases where people couldn’t afford an antivirus or truthfully, just weren’t educated about the importance of having one so they just went without.

This left thousands of people vulnerable to malware, trojans and viruses. As time went on, the manufacturers of the operating systems started to understand this especially as cybercrime started to increase. They came to the conclusion that users couldn’t be left on their own to invest in proper security.

Now, most devices have built-in protection from the minute they are powered on without needing much input from the user.

 

The Benefits Of Having A Built-In Antivirus

 

Modern built-in antivirus software has come a long way from what it used to be. They have become more sophisticated and there are actually quite a few benefits to having one pre-installed.

 

It’s Inexpensive And Convenient

 

Since the antivirus is already installed on the device that you purchased, you don’t need to spend anything further. It’s convenient especially if you’re on a tight budget since devices themselves already have a hefty price tag these days.

 

They Don’t Affect Your System As Much

 

Paid antivirus software from a third party provider is known to impact the speed and performance of your device. This is because it requires a lot of your device’s energy and resources since it works continuously while the device is on.

But when built-in antivirus is designed by the same company who created your operating system, it runs better without affecting the device.

 

 

Updates Are Done Automatically

 

Built-in antivirus is already integrated with your operating system which means that updates will take place automatically as they become available.

Usually with a paid version, you have to keep an eye on notifications alerting you of a new update. Otherwise, you just end up using an outdated version.

 

Some Security Features Are Integrated

 

Some built-in antivirus can come with some additional security features although these aren’t as extensive as with a paid version. On Windows, Defender works directly with a SmartScreen filter to block suspicious downloads along with a firewall and parental controls.

 

What Are The Limitations To Built-In Protection?

 

If you plan on relying solely on your built-in antivirus, there are some gaps in your security that you should be aware of to protect yourself and your device.

Features are limited: Paid antivirus come with a host of additional extras like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and password managers. These can give you a more comprehensive security solution and added peace of mind.

Protection isn’t foolproof: A built-in antivirus can detect suspicious websites or activity. However, it’s limited when it comes to sophisticated phishing and scam attempts which you could still fall for.

Doesn’t detect threats as quickly: Third party antivirus providers work around the clock to identify new threats as they become known. Built-in tools are a bit slower to respond so they may not catch these as promptly.

Limited customer support: Paid software often comes with a dedicated technical team to help you if something goes wrong. With a built-in antivirus, you’re pretty much on your own to troubleshoot issues.

 

Do You Need An Additional Antivirus For Security?

 

There is no definitive answer because it will depend on your risk level as a user. If you use your device for the occasional Internet browsing and online shopping, or even streaming Netflix, a built-in antivirus could suffice. With that said, you still need to be cautious about what you do online.

On the other hand, if you use your device for work or keep a lot of personal information stored on it, a paid antivirus is definitely worth the investment.

Another way to think about it is that a built-in antivirus will offer you the bare minimum protection. But if you want maximum security to reduce your risk of cyber threats, a paid version will give you that.