Compare The Best Antivirus Software of 2024

Windows continues to dominate the market share for desktop PC operating systems, keeping more than 70% of that market share to itself, despite suffering huge losses over the years.

This popularity makes the operating system a goldmine for not just software developers but also cybercriminals that produce dangerous malware programs. It's hard to judge Windows' security side-by-side with other operating systems because these malicious developers focus more on Microsoft's OS as they have more targets with it.

Malware programs are designed for different purposes and are categorized according to their behaviors. For example, spyware programs are designed to collect sensitive information without a user’s knowledge, then send the data to the perpetrator. Other forms of viruses include ransomware, adware, and rootkits, amongst many others.

Attackers use these programs creatively to infiltrate Windows systems and wreak tremendous havoc.

The fact that Windows is the main target for many malware developers doesn’t necessarily make the OS a bad choice. If another operating system overtakes Windows, it’ll be heading for the same fate. 

Users can employ certain security measures – which are at their disposal – to stay safe. There are numerous anti-malware programs out there that provide different levels of security. One that is always readily available to users is the native protection program that comes with the OS for free.

Over the lifespan of Windows – till this day – Microsoft has constantly tried to keep users safe from malware, but they haven’t been very great at doing that. From Windows 8, users get a dedicated protection suite known as Windows Defender, which has since morphed to Windows Security in latest versions of Windows 10 – from version 1903. For older Windows versions, such as Windows 7, security patches that fix software vulnerabilities come to users as updates, which are mostly downloaded automatically. Unfortunately, though, Windows 7’s “end of life” would mean its users don’t get to enjoy these security benefits anymore and would have to search for alternatives.

To the main issue, Windows Security (or Windows Defender) serves a great purpose, but there are concerns about its effectiveness. Because, let’s face it, if Microsoft does a good job of keeping Windows malware-free, then why is there a profitable anti-malware market? 

Microsoft's history with security patches has not been pleasant. This is because, after installing latest security updates, users end up finding out that they’ve been breached one way or the other. Even though there have been numerous improvements, most users aren’t still convinced.

So to answer the question of whether Windows' free antivirus serves any legitimate purpose, let’s break down some facts for you.

On its own, Windows Security has grown to become one of the most formidable malware-removal tools you can find. Microsoft has packed it with numerous stand-alone tools such as:

• Virus & Threat Protection, which scans for and gets rid of malicious programs, including ransomware that are residing in your PC. The tool, like any other antivirus program, carries out regular scans, and you can perform a manual “full scan” whenever you like.
• Account Protection, which secures your profile as long as you log in with a Microsoft Account.
• Firewall & Network Protection, which provides security by monitoring the traffic to and from your computer's network.
• App & Browser Control, whose main job is to scan for unrecognized files and applications from the Internet.

Windows Security is so good these days that even some antivirus independent test labs tag it one of the best malware protection suites around.

So, should you abandon other paid antivirus suites and rely on Microsoft’s solution? The answer depends

If you use your computer for online activities, then you should absolutely get a solution that includes web protection, which the native Windows Security doesn’t offer.

Malware developers are evolving every day and are being creative on how they comprise systems. As antivirus programs become advanced, these attackers have to find different innovative ways to thrive. One of the methods they employ is using different channels to deploy their malicious programs, and these include browser extensions, web scripts, plugins, and even email clients, among others.

Sure, Windows Security is good at what it does, but it can’t keep you safe in areas it isn’t designed to protect. The same goes for other free malware protection solutions that score high in many antivirus testing.

So, unless you have a competent program with extra features such Internet and Email Security, you’ll be left vulnerable to such attacks.

You won’t get these kinds of advanced protection with free antivirus programs like Windows Security and even those owned by antivirus companies. You can only get those loopholes closed off for a fee.

At the end of the day, not having any level of protection is worse than having a free antivirus program. So, you don’t need to panic much, as Windows Security and other free solutions can keep your system safe – to an extent. That said, we strongly recommend that you get the best – and highest – layer of security that you can find, because the cost of paying for the extra security will end up being piecemeal when you stack it up against what you stand to lose should you be invaded.

If you’ve been relying on Windows Security and you just realized you need to take your system's security to the next level, you should consider going for a competent malware protection tool such as Outbyte AVarmor. The program is compatible with Windows and even helps you remove cookies placed on your computer by websites you visit. 

A malware infection can bring lots of problems to your PC. It can cause glitches and errors, affect your storage, cause your system to crash, slow down essential processes on your PC, expose your private data and simply make using your PC unbearable. And there are lots of ways in which a malicious item can make its way onto your PC:

• Some viruses mask themselves as popular software upgrades;
• Others lurk on websites and initiate underground downloads as soon as you open a page;
• Some can be attached to emails and, once opened, re-send themselves to everyone on your contact list;
• And there are those that prey on public network users and infect your computer the moment you connect to Wi-Fi in a mall or coffee shop.

Naturally, this is not an exhaustive list of ways a virus can get into your system — but you get the picture.  Once a virus does make its way onto your PC, the process of removing it may be quite complicated. And, naturally, the damage would already be done. Thus, the best strategy here is to prevent the virus from getting into your system in the first place.

So, how do you keep your PC safe from a cyber attack? We have three workable suggestions. They are:

• Ensuring you have a reliable anti-malware program running on your PC
• Making sure you have secure configurations on your computer
• And regularly backing up your data

Let’s start from the beginning.

Solution one: get a reliable anti-malware program for your PC

There are lots of ways in which anti-malware software can be helpful. First, it lets you run a thorough scan for viruses on your PC in just one click: this is definitely easier than searching for potentially malignant software manually as these types of files are often the masters of disguise.

Alternatively, you can set up real-time protection, which means that the program will keep an eye out for any suspicious activity on your PV 24/7 and block any potential threats or possible incoming attacks. This is the best option if you spend a lot of time online and your system is often under attack.

Additionally, an anti-malware program will also create a firewall that will serve as a shield against any unwanted network connections and add an extra layer of protection for your private data. As we store lots of personal files and photos on our computers, having this information protected from hacking attempts and malware is really important. 

Solution two: making sure you have secure configurations on your computer

Devices and networks that are set up to use the default factory settings and configurations usually make up the easiest target for hackers and cyber attacks. As these are the standard settings and configurations, they are known and easy to tweak with. For instance, keeping all the default system and network passwords on your PC is definitely not a good idea and makes your computer easily hackable. Thus, to avoid a malware attack, make sure that you change all the default passwords to secure ones and delete any user accounts that are not essential or that you are not planning on using. Additionally, it will be helpful to disable any unapproved default connections on your desktop computer or laptop and limit data permissions — the latter will keep the potential damage contained if your PC ends up being infected with malware.

Solution three: back up your data regularly 

Regularly backing up your data is generally a good practice to keep to. While this will not exactly protect you from a malware attack, it will help significantly minimize the damages in the unfortunate case that a virus does get into your PC. So, if you do become a victim of a malware attack, you won’t lose access to important files, photos and other sensitive information. It’s helpful in lots of other cases as well — say, you have lost access to your PC or your hard drive has been damaged. If your data is safely backed up, you will be able to access it anytime and prevent loss of key data. 

It is generally advised to back up your data to the cloud (or another location) at least once a month. If you feel like this is something you might forget to do, there are lots of automated backup solutions that can be of great help. If you use an automated backup solution, you will be able to set automatic updates at regular intervals and won’t have to worry about forgetting to back up your data. 

And there you have it — three easily executable tips for protecting your PC from malware attacks. We suggest you implement all the three solutions above to make sure your computer is safe from malware attacks.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what PC safety is and are more prepared to protect your files. By the way, if you are a remote worker, we recommend you to use time tracking software to get things done and to better monitor your work time and productivity. By using a time tracking app , you improve them significantly.

What is a Trojan?

In computing, by definition, a trojan is any malicious program that misleads or tricks users. This term – which is used for a specific class of malware – is derived from the Greek tale where the deceptive Trojan Horse played a role in causing the city of Troy to fall. Troy’s defenders made a great mistake when they brought the giant wooden horse into their city. Their adversaries got out of the horse and wreaked havoc to the city’s defenses. Well, that how the story goes. 

Computer trojans, for the most part, exhibit deceptive behaviors. Some trojan horse programs work by hiding themselves inside normal files or seemingly harmless programs. Other trojans employ a wide variety of tricks to get users to install or run them. Once a trojan finds its way into a computer or gets activated, it ushers in other malicious programs. 

Most trojans are spread through social engineering techniques. Consider this event: A user clicks on a regular email attachment or ad, which has probably been designed not to appear suspicious. The email attachment could be a routine form (to be filled in) or advertisement for an item (on social media). Well, the described activity is enough to get some form of payload into a computer. 

Trojan payloads tend to vary. Some of them – especially those in modern forms – are known to act as a backdoor, which then contacts a controller to which unauthorized access is granted. Surely, you now see how a trojan may allow an attacker to get users’ data or sensitive details bordering on banking information, passwords, and so on.

Some trojan infections result in the deletion of users’ files. In fact, many hackers use trojans to carry out most ransomware attacks, which (when successful) are characterized by users getting locked out of their PC and being forced to pay ransoms to regain access. A good number of trojans are known to push through operations to infect other devices connected to a specific network. 

Trojans differ from computer viruses and worms. Trojans rarely attempt to inject themselves into other applications or files. They are unlikely to try to replicate or propagate themselves through the methods or procedures associated with other classes of malicious programs. 

Trojans are heavily reliant on staying undetected or getting by unnoticed. They would rather sit quietly on users’ computers while biding their time, collecting information, or working to take advantage of holes (or security vulnerabilities). Or, depending on their programming, they might just act to take over a victim’s computer and lock the person out. 

What do Trojans do on computers?

We already established that Trojans are programmed to do their work unnoticed. Well, this particular attribute makes them the malicious program of choice for many attackers. Trojans have become quite popular in recent times. We can summarize the most common acts associated with Trojans this way:

• Creation of backdoors: Trojans typically work to make changes to the security systems on computers to allow other malicious programs to get in. Or they might do enough to let the attackers – who control them – gain access to an infected computer. 

• Spying: Some Trojans correspond to spyware, especially those that are designed to wait (in the background) for users to reveal sensitive information, such as passwords, online account details, and so on. The trojans in the described form typically send the copied data to their masters. 

• Resource usage and control: We know of a good number of Trojans that are not interested in users (or their information) but instead prefer to use computers as slaves in a network. Well, the described Trojans might also use a victim’s computer to perform certain resource-intensive tasks. 

Trojans can actually be classified based on their behavior or the actions associated with them. Some of them appear on this list:

• Backdoor trojan
• Spy trojan
• Zombie trojan
• Exploit 
• Rootkit
• Trojan-ransom
• Trojan-banker
• Trojan-SMS
• Trojan-Mailfinder

How can I tell if my computer is infected with a Trojan?

Since Trojans are unlikely to exhibit behaviors (in the open) that point towards them being harmful or malicious, they are considerably harder to identify at a glance than other classes of malware. Nevertheless, there are certain moves or procedures you can take advantage of to check a Trojan is operating on your PC.

• Check your installed applications:

Earlier, we mentioned that Trojans typically create or open a backdoor for other programs to get into your computer. If a Trojan is active on your system, then the chances are that bad apps have already found their way in. Therefore, you will do well to check your installed applications for anything that should not be there. Ideally, you should go to both the Programs and Features menu in Control Panel and the Apps screen in Settings.

Carefully go through the list of programs there. If you find anything you do not recognize or something you do not remember installing, then it means a Trojan has been operating on your computer, or something else worked to install an additional application without your knowledge. In any case (involving the projected outcomes), things are bad. You have to get rid of those apps quickly. 

• Check your Startup applications:

Some Trojans (or malicious programs resulting from a Trojan infection) use code that prevent them from showing up in the list of applications installed on a computer. This way, they get to evade detection while they go about their business. However, some of those bad programs appear on specialized lists, such as the one for Startup applications.

Well, you might want to access the Startup programs list from the Task Manager application. There too, you must go through the items displayed. Check for apps that should not be there or programs that you do not recognize. You will also do well to check the SOFTWARE folder for entries in the Registry Editor application. You can do some research on the items you find (on Google). 

If you consider something a threat, then you can disable it (remove it from the Startup programs list). This way, Windows will no longer be obligated to start it up at boot. Ideally, you should go some steps further to identify the malicious application, locate its directory or the folder it is running from, and then get rid of it (and files or components associated with it). 

• Review your computer’s performance:

Some attackers got smart enough to design malicious programs that do not crowd users’ desktops with overbearing or disruptive ads, which they used to do in the past. They probably figured out most users would not care for the removal of threats if they are not disturbed. Well, the attackers we are referring to use their victims’ computers to perform tasks.

For example, some malicious programs use infected computers to mine cryptocurrency. Mining operations are quite resource-intensive – since they involve operations executed by the GPU inside a device. Therefore, computing performance almost always takes a hit when malicious programs are performing crypto-mining tasks. 

In other words, when your computer is infected with Trojans that consume its resources, your PC is likely to run slower than normal (or work sluggishly compared to before). Well, at least, now, you know what to look out for. 

• Use an antivirus:

Antiviruses are equipped with top-level scan functions that allow them to go through files and locations in a computer to check for threats. Yes, we know Trojans are deceptive and are better at staying hidden than the average malicious program. Nevertheless, they can only do so much to evade detection. A good antivirus is still likely to find and get rid of them. 

If you have to deal with a very stubborn or powerful Trojan (or a malicious program that is advanced in its development cycle), then you will do well to run a boot-time scan. The latter takes place when the computer is starting up, so the malicious program will be unable to hide. That should do the trick in the most difficult situations. 

In any case, you are better off not letting a Trojan get inside your computer in the first place. Install an antivirus and keep to the best security practices. You will be fine. 

A computer virus (or malware) is basically several lines of code: it can be as small as just one line or it can be a comprehensive piece of software — the size does not really matter here. What matters is what a virus can do to your PC — and it can do quite a lot. Any malware (no matter how small) can have a really damaging effect on your system: you may be flooded with glitches and errors, your programs may not work properly, some data on your PC may go missing or, what’s worse, even your personal information can get compromised.

In short, a virus is designed to cause damage to your system. And, once it gets into your computer, it can copy itself, multiply and mask itself as other programs to avoid detection. This will lead to lots of issues for your system and you will certainly want to get rid of the annoying malware as soon as you've discovered it. But how did it get onto your PC in the first place? 

Viruses are often spread as attachments to emails. For instance, you have probably heard of the infamous “ILOVEYOU” virus. Having originated in the Philippines, the virus was attached to an email that, once received, would forward itself to everyone on that person’s email contact list. As you can imagine , this meant the virus got to spread in geometric progression and got to infect tens of millions of computers from just one single email. And this is just one example.

One of the most widespread viruses to this date has been “The Morris worm”. In its time, it affected over 10% of all computers connected to the web rendering them useless and resulted in the U.S Government Accountability Office spending an estimated $10,000,000 to fix the aftermath of the virus. The malware was released from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) but was not intended to be malicious. However, the mechanism that was used to spread the malware lead to it being installed on a computer multiple times, which resulted in the said computer malfunctioning. 

The Morris worm was spread via a network of connections. The ILOVEYOU virus, on the other hand, got around via email. But this is (by far) not at extensive list of ways that viruses can be spread.

In fact, there are lots of ways a virus can get into your system:

• A common ploy that hackers use to infect the public’s computers with malware is by masking it under the names of popular downloads coming from trusted companies or even governmental organizations. For instance, you may think that you are getting an email from your bank or there is an update for your Windows software — but, in reality, all you will be getting is a piece of malware. 

• Then, there are phishing scams that prey on those who are not too careful with their personal data. You will be asked to fill out a form and, once you do, your personal information will wind up in the wrong hands.

• Yet another way malware may infect your PC is via a website that initiates a download once you visit it. As this typically happens in the background, you may not even be aware of the downloads taking place. While in most cases these are specific types of websites, your trusted sites may also host malware if they have been hacked. In this case, you may simply open a page on the web you visit frequently — but, together with the content you are visiting the website for, you will also be getting some malware. The worst part about this is that you won’t know that your PC has been infected with a virus until it’s too late.

So, how do you protect yourself from malware?

The best way to do it would be to use an antivirus program. And, luckily, there are lots of options when it comes to free anti-malware software. So, what will a free anti-virus do?

First, it will run regular scans of your PC to make sure there is no malware lurking in the background. If it finds a malicious program, that said program will be safely deleted from your PC. Second, it will keep your data and system protected via the use of virtual keyboards and more.

Free anti-virus programs typically come with the same functionality as paid ones and offered by a lot of leading anti-malware providers. They will let you run a full and thorough system scan and get rid of all the malware located on your PC. Some paid anti-malware software is often available for a free trial and lets you experience it at work first before you commit to a purchase. 

Do you have an active anti-virus program running on your PC? Do you find it effective? Share in the comments below.

What is cyber security? 

Cyber security includes processes, technologies, and controls that are designed with the aim of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyber-attacks. Unauthorized users are prevented from gaining access to your personal information.

How are cyber security attacks possible?

Cyber attackers look for vulnerabilities in a company’s security armory. These vulnerabilities are then exploited to gain access to your device or network. 

Below are the three main types of vulnerabilities:

• User Error: user error can topple any security system no matter how well-designed it is. For this reason, continuous training and strict policies are always taking place so that employees are able to identify and effectively respond in the face of a cyber-attack. 
• Flaws: Flaws are random design errors that attackers can exploit. It is, therefore, important that you have adequate patch management to ensure that you proactively introduce software updates and prevent hackers from gaining access to your systems.  
• Features: Features are software elements that are meant to maximize user experience. But, alas, when manipulated by cyber attackers, they throw open the doors to your system, network, or device. 

The thought that peeping Toms could be watching and listening to everything you do in the privacy of your home is scary. Could the ‘little eye’ that’s in front of your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or even TV be spying on you?

Webcam spying is a real threat, and we simply can't afford to ignore it.

A few years back, if you told someone that they could be spied on through their webcam, they’d think you were paranoid. However, with so many cases reported and advancements in technology, webcam spying is as real as daylight. And as long as you have a device that connects to the internet, chances are that it has a camera. In that case, it's better to give in to paranoia and protect your private life than to risk your intimate memories being shared with the world. 

Can Your Webcam Be Hacked Remotely?

If criminals can hack into computers belonging to security agencies (which are supposedly impenetrable), what's to prevent them from cracking your devices? In our current tech-driven world, anything is possible, and you might easily fall victim to online peeping and blackmail. Security researchers say that hackers can hijack your laptop or smartphone cameras and see what your device sees. The same goes for your microphone, and they can even record everything you say. 

The scary part is that you might not even be aware that you're being spied on since the malware works in the background with no visual indication.

So, how do hackers gain access to your device’s camera? Ever heard of remote administration software? Turns out, it’s common software used by customer support teams to help fix computers remotely. The same software, when used for illegal purposes, is called a Remote Access Trojan (RAT). A RAT is a type of software that allows third parties to spy on your computer from any location. A hacker can use RAT software to hijack a webcam and take photos of the person on the other end. Reports show that schools and organizations have used RATs to spy on students and workers in their own rooms. 

Webcam spy software can be spread via freeware, infected email attachments, or links to malicious websites. When you unintentionally click on a malicious link or executable file, the malware gets installed in the background without your knowledge. Once the malware infiltrates your PC, the hacker can take full control of your computer, including seeing everything you do while online. 

And if you think that the little LED indicator light will warn you when your webcam is turned on, you're wrong. Cybercriminals have developed sophisticated software that can disable the LED indicator light, leaving you to think that your camera is not activated. If you're using a smartphone, remember that you give applications access to your camera and microphone when you tap on “Allow” when installing them. To avoid being at the center of a hacking scheme, only install apps from trusted sources.

Unfortunately, RATs are available for sale online and there are thousands of YouTube videos that teach how to use them. This means that anyone can be spying on you, even the most unlikely quiet kid in the neighborhood.  

Is Using Tape to Cover Your Webcam Really Enough?

About four years ago, an Instagram post of Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, showing his laptop’s camera and microphone covered went viral. This elicited heated debates as to why the owner of the tech giant would do that. It soon came to light that even certain government agencies did the same. Turns out, covering cameras wasn’t new for those who were cautious of who might be watching. 

The trend quickly picked up momentum, and people started covering their webcams with tape. But does using tape really protect you from the dangerous hackers who want to stalk you or steal from you?

For the most part, putting tape or any other cover on your webcam isn’t a complete solution to thwart a hacker’s efforts to watch your every move. If anything, the cover also blocks the LED indicator light, which means you won't be able to notice when the camera is activated. The shutters' failure to block the microphone also compromises your privacy. And, as you may already know, audio clips can just be as damaging as video or image files. 

Disturbingly, whenever there is fear, extortion thrives. Consequently, the likelihood of your intimate video clips and images hitting the black market is high. 

How to Protect Your Webcam

Luckily, all is not lost and there are a few things that you can do to prevent your webcam from being compromised by cybercriminals. Tech and cybersecurity experts agree that it won't hurt to put a piece of tape on your webcam. However, you need to take strong measures to safeguard your online privacy and prevent creeps from watching and recording the secret things that you do in your bedroom or living room.

Switch Off Your PC

Whenever you're not using your computer, turn it off. This makes it impossible for your camera to record. With many people leaving their computers on and connected to the Internet, thousands of webcams become vulnerable to webcam snooping. If you particularly use your laptop in the bedroom, be sure to shut it off to avoid the danger of being hacked. 

Alternatively, simply close your laptop when you're not using it. 

Use a Strong Password

Webcams that connect directly to Wi-Fi networks use passwords. Most people don’t bother to change the default password, making it easier for hackers to access the webcam remotely. To ensure maximum security, use a strong password that you don’t use anywhere else.

If you're using an Internet-connected camera (IP cam), be sure to change the username and password. Likewise, remember to whitelist specific IP addresses to only allow certain devices to access your webcam. On the other hand, if you're using P2P, make sure you disable UPnP on your webcam to prevent easy access. 

Only Use Secure Wireless Networks

Most public places, including airports, cafes, and hotels, have free public Wi-Fi hotspots, which are unsecured. Connecting your camera over unsecured wireless networks gives attackers easy access to it and your computer. For your safety, only connect your camera over a secure internet connection. 

Also, remember to change your router’s default password to a stronger one. This way, strangers will have a hard time trying to crack it, and most probably they won't succeed.

Unplug, Disable or Cover Your Webcam

If you're using an external webcam connected via a USB port, the smartest foolproof solution is to unplug it – and only connect it when you want to use it. No hacker can gain access to a disabled webcam. If you're not amused by the thought of plugging your webcam into your PC every time you want to use Skype, then you can cover it using tape or the creative non-sticky covers that are sold online. 

Some built-in laptop webcams come with shutters, but they don’t cover the microphone, which could still record audio. You can also disable your webcam in your OS. For Windows devices, simply go to “Device Manager”, expand “Imaging devices”, and disable your webcam. Obviously, this isn't a secure solution since any hacker who can remotely access your system can re-enable the device with ease.

Don’t Click on Suspicious Links

Malicious emails remain to be the most widespread means of distributing malware to unsuspecting computer users. With that in mind, be wary of fake emails from unknown or untrusted senders that request you to download an attachment containing a link. In most cases, these are phishing scams that trick you into clicking on a link or disclosing personal information.

Keep Your System Updated

When your system becomes outdated, some security features may fail to function correctly, leaving your computer vulnerable to cyber-attacks. For this reason, you should always ensure that your system, browser, and all installed software are up to date. 

These updates enhance the security of your system and apps by addressing bugs that might jeopardize your personal data.

We know how scary webcam spying is, and we have just the software to keep you safe. Outbyte AVarmor stops online threats and gets rid of malicious entities that can wreak havoc on your PC. The program detects cookies that spy on your browsing activities and stops them in their tracks. 

Don’t be a victim of online bullying, blackmail or extortion. You can have complete peace of mind while using your PC thanks to Outbyte AVarmor.

Many security experts advise people to put opaque tapes over computer webcams to protect their privacy. It might be seen as an easy move or incredibly simplistic thing to do, but there’s a lot grounded in it. Those security experts are right for different reasons. You are about to find out why. 

There are many folks - individuals working for the government, cybercriminals looking to further their own ends, and other categories of people that do not mean well for you – who want to use your PC’s camera to spy on you. If possible, they will try to gain access to your computer’s microphone too, or they might attempt to control the listening device. 

Former FBI director James Comey once declared that everyone should cover their webcams with opaque tapes to avoid spying. Well, the FBI chief probably had his reasons for saying that, and we suspect they have something to do with the security holes or vulnerabilities on computers that make them susceptible to hacking.

You can easily check Google for news or cases where people got convicted for spying on others. Some creeps use webcam malware to spy on women. Some cybercriminals go a step further to contact their victims and threaten that they will make the nude images and videos public unless some ransom is paid to them. 

Some criminals are even reported to make ridiculous requests, some of which border on asking the victims to pose for more shots (photos and videos). Others directly blackmail their victims through all the means available to them. 

You do not even have to be a high-profile target – such as the FBI director or the president of the country – to be targeted. Everyone is fair game to criminals. Webcams in PCs are not even the only devices that criminals try to turn on remotely. The cameras and microphones in smartphones are also targeted, but cybercriminals find it considerably harder to break down the security profile on mobile devices. 

Even in scenarios where attackers manage to spy on people through smartphone cameras, their success is usually down to non-standard factors or variables. For example, users might have given rogue applications the needed permission to access and control their smartphone cameras. And the developers of the application – who now correspond to criminals – acted to take advantage of the permissions granted to their apps to turn on and use the camera. 

On a PC (or Windows device), users normally do not have to grant permission to a desktop application (legacy programs). However, as we already established, cybercriminals find it easier to hack a PC than a smartphone.

Here, we are assuming you do not discuss state secrets at home. Nevertheless, if you use a computer, you will do well to put some tape over your computer’s webcam. When you are not using the webcam, the tape should stay on. 

Ideally, you should go a step further and do something to prevent attackers from listening to conversations through your PC’s external microphone. You can cut the plug from a broken pair of headphones (or similar audio device that you are not using) and then plug it into your computer. This way, your PC’s external microphone will be disabled.

If you do not want to place a tape on your webcam, then you can get a cheap small sliding lens cover on popular merchant sites. You can then put the lens cover on your webcam. When you want to use your webcam, you will have to slide the cover. And after you finish using the camera, you will have to roll the cover back to its original position. 

If you cannot bring yourself to use a tape or a lens cover, then you have to close your laptop whenever you are not using it (always). Attackers cannot spy on you through your webcam when the laptop’s lid is shut. In fact, your computer will probably end up in sleep mode after the closing of the lid. 

If you intend to do something very important or if you want to have a conversation that must not leave the room you are in, then you must get rid of all the devices (smartphones and laptops) in the room. Well, this is the only move that guarantees that nobody (a government official or a criminal) spies on you through a compromised webcam. With this move, your adversaries will also be unable to eavesdrop on your conversations through a hacked microphone. 

People might think you are crazy – especially those who do not take their security and privacy seriously – but at least you will know that you are doing the right thing. 

Other things you can do to protect yourself

You have to follow the best security practices and take standard precautions to stay safe. Covering your PC’s webcam with opaque tape is hardly going to be enough.

For example, you must avoid clicking suspicious links in email attachments. If you receive a message containing links from someone you do not know, you must discard or ignore the message. The same thing applies to ads you see on social media and similar network pages. In general, you must be careful with links.

More importantly, you must ensure that your computer is running a top-level protection program, such as Outbyte AVarmor. You can only do so much to prevent malicious programs from finding their way into your computer. Without the defensive layers against threats (provided by a security application), your computer will always be at risk. 

Even if you are careful enough to keep to the relevant security practices – even if you are a cautious browser who does not click on suspicious links or download questionable stuff – your PC might still get infected. 

A harmless-looking third-party application currently running on your system might turn out to be a malicious program. Attackers can take advantage of security holes (or vulnerabilities) in apps or the Windows operating system to target you. A good protection utility will come in handy in the described scenarios. 

Hopefully, you have taken note of the recommendations we made. They are extremely important. You keeping to them might just be the difference between you getting hacked and staying safe in this online world.

Spyware is one of the most notorious internet threats for computer and smartphone users. Spyware programs operate in stealth mode, which means they are not easily detected by the user or antivirus programs. Make no mistake about it, being infected with spyware is a nuisance, and the sooner you remove it from your computer, the safer your data.

What Is Spyware?

Spyware is a term that describes spying software. It generally refers to any type of malicious software that’s designed to snoop on you, gather your data, and transmit it from your computer to third parties without your consent or knowledge. The type of information collected includes browsing activities, emails and sensitive data, such as credit card details, PINS, and usernames and passwords.

Unlike a virus, spyware isn’t self-replicating. However, it's highly secretive and usually runs under the radar – without visible activity – while modifying your computer’s configuration and collecting personal information. This makes it one of the most lethal types of malware out there. 

How Does Spyware Get Into a Computer?

Spyware is sneaky and is capable of infiltrating your computer without you noticing. Here are the most common methods that hackers use to spread spyware:

• Bundled in freeware. Spyware manages to get into your computer mainly when installing a seemingly genuine piece of software, especially if it's bundled with additional freeware. In some cases, the software you intend to install may contain spyware – which is given a different name – and you're forced to install it first to be allowed to install the desired application. If you don’t read the fine print – which most people don’t – you might unintentionally install the spyware program yourself. 
• Spyware can also install itself when you click on an infected email attachment, visit malicious websites, or download software, music or movies from untrusted sources.
• Other types of spyware are spread when you click anywhere inside a fake dialog box that prompts you to download or update a security tool.

How Spyware Works

Spyware can affect any device capable of accessing the Internet, including mobile devices, PCs, Macs, and tablets. To date, Windows PCs are more vulnerable to attacks compared to Mac computers. However, this doesn't mean that Apple computers are safe from spyware infiltration. 

Spyware collects data or enables hackers to access confidential data on your device through various means, namely:

• Adware: As the name suggests, adware displays targeted advertisements. This type of spyware tracks your browsing habits to predict products and services that you might be interested in buying. The collected data is then sold to third parties who bombard you with all sorts of advertisements.
• Tracking cookies: This type of spyware tracks your online activities, such as visited websites, browser downloads and history, search queries, and purchasing history. Tracking cookies also record your personally identifiable information (PII), such as social security numbers.
• Keyboard loggers: Also called keyloggers, this type of spyware records your keystrokes to steal your login credentials and other sensitive data, such as usernames, passwords, online banking details, and credit card numbers. These details can be used in identity theft or to access funds from your bank accounts.
• Trojan horses: Trojan malware sneaks into your computer disguised as genuine software, only to steal sensitive data like credit card and banking details.
• System monitors: Usually masqueraded as freeware, system monitors snoop on virtually everything you do on your computer. Apart from recording keystrokes, this type of spyware also monitors and records chats, sent and received emails, and running programs.

The primary goal of spyware is to harvest confidential information from as many computer users as possible and discreetly send the data to hackers. The information is then sold to third parties for marketing purposes. However, crime doesn’t stop there. Some hackers use the info to violate the user’s privacy or open backdoors and exploits through which other types of malware can creep into your operating system.

How Do I Know If I Have Been Infected?

Like we mentioned earlier, spyware operates without visible activity. Its stealth characteristic makes it nearly impossible for an unsuspecting user to notice. However, certain telltale signs may indicate the presence of spyware on your computer. They include:

• High CPU and memory usage in Task Manager. 
• A spike in internet bandwidth usage. Spyware usually relies on your internet connection to transmit the gathered information to the developer. As such, if you notice slow network connections, you should investigate the abnormality.
• Your computer becomes sluggish and randomly freezes or crashes. When the spyware program is running, your system resources become exhausted, causing your PC’s speed to slow down dramatically.
• If you're using a laptop or mobile device, you may notice a reduction in battery life due to constant high system usage.
• You suddenly start getting pop-ups, banners, and all kinds of advertisements even when you're not using your browser.
• Your browser’s default homepage, search engine and start page change unexpectedly. Upon taking a closer look, you discover unfamiliar toolbars, plugins, and browser extensions that you didn’t install.
• Your hard disk drive runs out of space, and you can't find the files or applications that are filling up space.

Although these signs may not necessarily mean that you’ve been infected, chances of spyware presence are high.

How to Remove Spyware

It's not easy to get rid of a spyware program since detecting it in the first place is difficult. Moreover, most spyware programs don’t come with software uninstallers like ordinary applications. So, if you suspect that your computer is infected with spyware, here’s what you need to do:

• Disconnect your internet connection immediately. 
• Check for unknown and unwanted software in your device’s programs and features list. 
• Delete any suspicious programs that don’t belong to your computer.

Likewise, open Task Manager and check for and stop all running processes that are hogging system resources. 

Unfortunately, trying to manually remove spyware is not an easy task, and most probably you won't succeed. Even your ordinary antivirus program may fail to detect the presence of spyware on your device. What you need is aggressive and specialized spyware removal software like Outbyte AVarmor to clean your computer of any traces of spyware. 

Outbyte AVarmor offers real-time protection to prevent data breaches and ensure that your online privacy is protected. This anti-malware program monitors your computer continuously for guaranteed protection.  

How to Avoid Future Spyware Attacks

Removing spyware isn’t enough. In most cases, by the time you realize that you’ve been infected, the damage has already been done. For this reason, prevention is better than cure. By applying the simple steps outlined below, you’ll greatly reduce the chances of attacks:

• Avoid clicking on pop-up ads.
• Keep your security tool, operating system, browsers, and installed applications updated.
• Install reliable antivirus and anti-malware tools.
• Avoid downloading files from unknown sources.
• Don’t open links whose sources you can't verify.
• Delete all emails from unknown sources.

Fully understanding what spyware is, how it works, and how to prevent spyware attacks will help you to keep your system, files, and sensitive data safe.

Microsoft has been dominating the industry for a significant period, and this is something that is not going to change anytime soon. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that around 90% of PC users have the Windows operating system installed on their devices. Although this may be great to users as it creates a sense of belonging to the world’s biggest tech community, the risk of a data breach when using Windows is high. Well, it’s not like Microsoft is producing an operating system of substandard quality, but it is simply because the Windows platform, being the most popular OS on the market, is the most targeted by malware developers. Thus, if you are a Windows user, security should be your top priority. 

Fortunately, Microsoft is not blind to the fact that their OS is the most coveted target for attackers. That is why in order to counter hacking attacks and reduce the risk of falling victim to them among the users of the OS, Windows 10 comes with a built-in security tool called Windows Defender. If you are a Windows 10 user but somehow you haven’t seen or heard of this tool, don’t worry as it comes already installed. Previously known as Microsoft Security Essentials, Windows Defender is not much of a choice as it is the operating system’s main security solution. Starting with Windows 8 and higher, users get free protection from Windows Defender, which is, technically, antivirus software. As for Windows 7 and below, Microsoft Security Essentials fortifies the security. To be honest, there isn’t much difference between the two programs, only just that they were designed to operate on different platforms. And, of course, with Windows Defender being the latter version, it gets first preference when it comes to updates and upgrades. 

The question remains to be answered: is Windows Defender good enough to protect your PC against millions of viruses and other malware entities? The honest answer is a fat NO. Actually, there isn’t a free anti-virus that can protect your computer to the desired level. As technology evolves, so does malware, which helps it breach your defense lines. Using modern techniques, viruses come in through various channels, such as email links and browser extensions. As robust as it has been portrayed to be, a free antivirus, even one developed by a behemoth like Microsoft, does not offer tools that are powerful enough to combat the latest viruses coming from different channels, such as those mentioned above. In most cases, the whole extra mile that paid antivirus software goes is all about protecting users online, which is where most viruses dwell and thrive. So, if you are an offline computer user, Windows Defender might just be enough to protect your privacy. However, if you are constantly online (which is what everyone with a computer does nowadays), then it is ideal to get a paid-for antivirus, which will bring down the risk of being infected almost to null. 

If you are an online user and rely on Windows Defender, you mustn’t panic as you’re still enjoying some level of protection. Windows Defender has some excellent tools, such as real-time protection and a quarantining tool, that cover the basics of protection. However, the ultimate goal is to get the best protection you possibly can, and in all earnestness, Windows Defender isn’t prepared to give you that. 

Getting a paid antivirus tool to further strengthen your security measures is ideal, although it may seem like an unnecessary cost. The whole idea is to avoid a situation where you need to pay your local IT experts hefty amounts to bring your PC back to life after it gets infected by a deadly virus. Yes, some antivirus software costs a fortune, and there is a reason why it should be that way. For starters, you need to understand that antivirus tools come in different categories. Some programs are designed to cater to individuals, while others protect businesses, and there are also tools that are powerful enough to defend governments and international organizations. As you comprehend the category you fall in, it will be easy to find the right antivirus that suits your needs. 

If you are a big fan of Windows Defender or worried about having to uninstall it before you can use a paid antivirus, don’t stress. After all, Windows Defender is a good child that knows how to play well with other kids. Moreover, there isn’t a clean way of uninstalling Windows Defender even if you want to. Therefore, our advice is to leave it as it is. Windows Defender can’t stop you from installing and running antivirus software other than itself. After all, more protective software means more security measures at play. 

Tip of the Day: Get an anti-malware tool and run it side-by-side with your Windows Defender. This is the best way of enjoying higher levels of protection. Our pick of the day is Outbyte AVarmor. From being on friendly terms with Windows Defender to actively keeping potential threats at bay, the program is a gem. It scans each and every corner on your PC, including the registry, extensions, and Task Scheduler, looking for any malicious items. The tool also detects and permanently removes any spy cookies that have the ability to monitor your online and offline PC activities. Here is how you can get started with the Outbyte AVarmor tool:

• Download and install the tool from its trusted website. 
• Launch the application and run a scan by clicking the Scan Now button.
• The app will list all threats, which you can remove by clicking the Remove All button.

The app is compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Vista, which means it can also be used alongside Windows Defender’s predecessor Security Essentials. First-time users will receive a 3-day trial period before purchasing the full version for $29.95. The purchase comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if the user is not happy with the results.

We all want to be safe and do our utmost to protect our personal data in the best possible way. However, free tools always come with some sacrifices, thereby leaving us with no choice but to get paid protection tools. Despite the brutal fact that free software is not enough for protection, there is still a cost-effective way of combating malware. You can always reinforce your security with an affordable paid program, and you will be good to go.  

Most security guidelines or recommendations require users to install antivirus software on their computers – and for good reasons. You simply cannot get away without using an antivirus application in today’s online world. 

Consider the number of computers that see regular use all over the world. A good proportion of those devices are connected to the internet. We can extrapolate that the vast majority of people – who use those computers – are individuals doing legitimate stuff online. By legitimate stuff, we mean either of the following: leisure web surfing, checking and receiving of emails, communication with family and friends through social networks, and so on.

However, you must understand that there is a small group of people who are always looking to take advantage of unsuspecting or innocent people online. The bad individuals – who are sometimes referred to as hackers, attackers, or even scammers – tend to use malicious programs and dirty tricks in their quests to steal information or money. 

When a bad program is mentioned, a virus is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Computer viruses are a special class of malicious entities that replicate themselves. While viruses constitute one of the greatest threats to operating systems, there are other malicious programs users have to worry about, especially in recent times. Spyware applications, for example, have become more popular than ever. 

Spyware applications tend to run on computers (in the background) and log or record the actions being performed. Since users do not know about the spyware programs – since spyware applications are designed to stay hidden – they end up revealing sensitive information to attackers. For example, when unsuspecting individuals visit websites and type in their login details (username or email and password), the spyware applications take note of the data and forward it to their masters. 

Spyware applications that record sensitive details – especially those that track keystrokes – are commonly referred to as keyloggers. A keylogger application – if it runs on your computer – can learn the email address (or username) and password combinations for almost every site you visit in a short period. Of course, you would not want anybody to know your login details for sites; you cannot have criminals accessing your personal profiles for social networks or accounts for essential services on the web. 

Now, you might be wondering how such a program might find its way into your computer in the first place. You might believe that you could simply avoid downloading a malicious program and nothing bad will happen. Unfortunately, things are not that simple. Malicious programs get proliferated and distributed through numerous means and channels. You are unlikely to know all of them, no matter how hard you try. 

Attackers are smart and cunning in finding ways to get malicious programs on users’ computers. They go to great lengths to disguise their programs as normal applications. For example, some of them hide regular links on standard download pages and goad people into clicking on them. 

Other attackers design systems to mask their criminal activities under trusted names. What appears to be a movie file or application executable might actually be a malicious program. Or a regular package might end up with malicious code embedded inside it. 

In other words, you can only do as much as you can to pay attention to the things that you download. And even then, being careful is unlikely to do enough to guarantee your security. Malicious items will still find a way to get inside your computer. What matters is how your computer deals with them – after they appear or come in. Ideally, you should be proactive and prepare your computer for fighting against security threats instead of being reactive (when things have already gone wrong).

At this point, you might be wondering what you could do to safeguard your PC from threats in general. The top foolproof move will require you to disconnect your computer from the internet, but we know you can’t do that. Well, by keeping a computer isolated from the internet, threats from the web become a nonfactor – and this is the closest thing to a security guarantee. 

However, since you cannot afford to disconnect your PC from the internet, you have to consider other options or paths through which you get to protect your computer from malicious programs. First, you need to install a top-level anti-malware program such as Outbyte AVarmor. Good security utilities are programmed to pick up on threats early enough. They will deal with issues from the source before the malicious programs go on their campaign to cause trouble for you or your computer. 

If you use the recommended anti-malware program to configure your computer’s defense apparatus or setup, then most malicious items are likely to get stopped before they reach sensitive areas on your device’s drive. In other words, spyware applications (especially keyloggers) will not get the chance to set up shop to monitor your activities, which means they will be unable to collect or forward your data to attackers. Well, this is one pleasant outcome. 

Some users believe that security programs have fallen out of vogue. Some of them even claim that the built-in capabilities in their operating systems will do enough to protect them from digital threats. They are wrong!

For one, you will do well to follow the best security practices by keeping your applications and operating system updated, not clicking on suspicious links in emails (especially those from strange or unknown senders), not downloading and running questionable packages and executables, and so on. 

However, the security tips and your efforts to keep to them will not matter in an event when a new malicious program comes along and gets past the regular defenses provided by the operating system running on your device. Well, this is why you need a third-party security program to run on your computer and protect you. 

Antiviruses being capable of keeping out only known viruses is a popular cybersecurity misconception. Some users hardly bother installing security applications because they believe the risk factors that apply in their case are minimal. We have to tell you that things are not exactly as they seem. 

The technology and code in security applications are far from static. They evolve. Modern antivirus applications are equipped with tools and components that allow them to handle multiple attack avenues and threats (all at once). They can defend against phishing tactics, keep out all forms of malware (viruses, adware, spyware, and others), and so on. 

Security programs have gone beyond just checking for virus signatures to check for threats. Some of them already employ new techniques bordering on big data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and behavioral tracking. With modern innovations, security applications have become formidable utilities capable of identifying and blocking sophisticated attacks. Take our advice and get one!