Antivirus Software – Why?
As most computer users know it’s not recommended to use a computer connected to the internet without antivirus software. This software comes in many different forms and the functions can be varied. Some are high end paid programs with powerful protection while others are free to use low end versions with weak protection. Regardless of the protection offered they are all designed to eliminate one particular threat and that threat is viruses.
Computer viruses have undergone an interesting evolution from what they were 15 years ago. Originally the threat of the virus wasn’t so bad due to the fact that there were few people online and no one was actively out to get anyone. But as people started using the internet those who didn’t like certain companies figured out a way to wage war by simply using a keyboard.
Early viruses were designed to simply enter a computer and destroy key operating system files. Others were made to attack the entire hard drive and corrupt all the data on it. There were no firewalls present to keep these early parasites out and antivirus software wasn’t even thought of at the time. After these initial viral attacks companies began making the protection programs that we use in our every day life.
But these were primitive compared to the antivirus software that we use now. The basic virus was simply meant to enter a computer directly and when this route was blocked hackers and other malcontents needed a new method of bypassing defenses. Thus they started sending out viruses in spam and scam emails across the web. This had the effect of infecting and destroying many machines in people’s homes but the business world wasn’t heavily damaged.
Security holes were patched, vulnerabilities fixed, and antivirus software was updated effectively securing the corporate world again. However much like the arms race between weapons makers and armor makers the virus was reworked to be even more dangerous. The next incarnation to be released was the Trojan Horse virus also known as the backdoor virus. This virus was designed to sneak in through all forms of protection and masquerade as a benign file.
Once inside it would then install itself and begin attacking the infected computer. This type of virus is still problematic even today as it can fool the user into thinking it’s a friendly file and trick them into downloading it. But the latest incarnation of the virus is perhaps the most devastating and disturbing yet.
As protection programs and operating systems have advanced and shielded themselves from threats virus developers have had to adapt. The latest virus shares many traits with other forms of malicious software such as malware and spyware. Often it will sneak in or trick a user into downloading it, install and monitor any information for a short period, transmit said information, and then destroy as much as possible.
There are very creative people helping to develop antivirus software to defend against viruses. Unfortunately there are also just as many creative people working to make the viruses more lethal. The reasons behind making a piece of malicious software can range from hating a company to doing it just because it can be done. Regardless, the damage viruses can inflict is massive and the need for protection software is paramount.