Why you shouldn't surf the internet without antivirus protection
Many PC and internet users are still unaware of the dangers lurking on the World Wide Web. Of course, most have heard of viruses, Trojans, malware, ransomware, etc. But surely that only affects others. They themselves are far too uninteresting for cybercriminals. So few are bothered when their free trial of antivirus software, and thus their protection against viruses, expires. They simply continue surfing without online protection. And when something does happen, it's usually too late.
In this blog post, we want to inform and raise awareness. We will show you:
- Reasons why many users are still very negligent about this issue and surf without protection and adherence to security rules
- What can happen when what shouldn't happen does – and a virus has infected a computer
- Why viruses, malware and co. are developed and why any user can be affected – even those whose PCs "have nothing to steal."
Of course, we will also provide some tips on how to avoid the worst scenarios. And we will show you what you can try if it has already happened.
Why many internet users surf without antivirus protection or with expired antivirus software:
Many users are online – without antivirus protection or with expired and unupdated antivirus software. But why?
Here is a list of the most common reasons that explain this behavior, which we all know is wrong and dangerous. Usually, it's a combination of the reasons listed here.
1. Ignorance: No idea what viruses can do
Many internet users are unaware of the threat posed by viruses and malware and do not know the risks. Many users who surf without protection have never had a virus on their computer. Either they have never experienced viruses before, or they have only encountered "harmless viruses." Not every computer virus is equally life-threatening or deletes all personal data. Consequently, many users have no idea what can happen. For all those who underestimate the dangers of surfing without or with expired antivirus software, we recommend the second part of this article.
2. Ignorance: Lack of knowledge on how to protect oneself properly
Many internet users are not sufficiently informed about how to protect themselves from viruses, malware, and the like. In addition, there is a certain technical ignorance about what computer viruses actually are and how they work. We recommend these users read the last part of the article, where we briefly summarize the most common tips on how to effectively protect yourself online. Small spoiler: Of course, there's more you should do than just install up-to-date antivirus software.
3. Blind trust
Many internet users simply trust that nothing will happen to them while surfing. After all, nothing has ever happened before. Besides, they have a firewall, which is certainly sufficient. Unfortunately, this is a misconception. Fun fact: The phrase "it's never happened to me" is most often said after something has happened.
4. Costs
Some users are not willing to pay for antivirus software. If the free antivirus software subscription expires, it is not renewed. These users therefore either surf without any protection at all, or resort to free programs that may not provide adequate protection. Yet good antivirus protection is not expensive. As with almost all software products, good offers are always available. You just have to find them. More on this in the last part.
5. Laziness & Convenience
Some users may not have enough time or inclination to take care of their computer's security. Which security solution is the best? Where can I get the best deal? Where is the best value for money? How does the new program work? What happens when the new antivirus software expires? Many intend to deal with these questions, but then postpone it again and again. Yet, making the decision doesn't have to be so difficult...
6. Overestimation of one's own technical abilities
This is probably one of the rarest reasons why users don't arrange for antivirus protection, but it certainly occurs: Users overestimate their own abilities and believe, for example:
- they adhere to all security rules when surfing and therefore won't catch a virus
- they have enough expertise to deal with the virus themselves if it comes to that
For a very, very few, this might be true. For most, this thought is unfortunately a fallacy.
What viruses and malware can do to your PC
As we briefly mentioned in the previous section, not every virus is life-threatening or deletes all your data. Some viruses are simply annoying.
In the following section, we will show you a short list of possible scenarios and damages that viruses, malware, and other malicious programs can inflict on you. You will quickly see that some of these are definitely no longer funny and indeed have the potential to become life-threatening.
1. Delete or encrypt data on your PC
For many, this is certainly the greatest imaginable damage: viruses land on the PC and delete, damage, manipulate, and encrypt one's own data. Then hackers demand a ransom for decryption or recovery. For those who make daily security copies of their data, this is probably not too big a problem. Nevertheless: in addition to personal data that is deleted or encrypted, viruses can also specifically attack system files. Then it becomes at least very time-consuming, as the system has to be reinstalled and the software previously used has to be reinstalled (possibly re-purchased).
2. Theft of personal data
Viruses and malware can steal personal data such as usernames, passwords, accounts for various platforms, bank details, and credit card information and pass them on to cybercriminals.
This allows cybercriminals to use your identity to:
- Make purchases at your expense using your data. Although two-factor identification has been around for some time, it is still possible that stolen data is sufficient to empty your account.
- Carry out other illegal activities online using a disguised account. This blurs their own tracks, as you are initially the culprit since the crimes were carried out via your account.
- Damage your reputation: Through insults on social media or by posting embarrassing, compromising content.
As you can see: Even if you create daily backups of your data; this damage can be really unpleasant.
3. Manipulate and misuse your computer
Some viruses don't attack your data, but your system as a whole. Then hackers control your PC. The consequences could be:
- Your system is slowed down because hackers use your computer's capacity for other things.
- For example, your PC is integrated into botnets. Hackers then use your PC for malicious and illegal purposes such as DDoS attacks or sending spam or phishing emails.
- Hackers might also use your other accounts (in addition to email, social media) to send malicious or dangerous links to your friends and acquaintances – without you noticing.
- Or hackers access your laptop camera and film you in embarrassing moments. A popular trick is filming while watching pornography. These recordings are then used to blackmail you.
Of course, there are also viruses that "only" (only in quotation marks) impair individual programs and cause them to crash, or spy on your online and browsing behavior, for example, to show you targeted advertising.
But generally speaking: There are no harmless viruses. Every virus, every piece of malware is harmful to your computer and your data. Even if a virus seemingly has no effect on your computer or causes no immediate, recognizable damage. Perhaps it's just waiting to snatch the "right" passwords or is in standby to become active at a later time.
Why viruses and malware are developed and why this threat can affect anyone
Based on the list in Part 2, you have probably already recognized why cybercriminals develop viruses and why you – yes, you, even if you consider yourself a totally uninteresting target – are at risk and can become a victim. We have briefly summarized here what exactly cybercriminals aim to achieve with viruses.
1. Make money
Developing and distributing viruses, malware, and the like is the business of hackers and cybercriminals. It's their profession.
- Some viruses steal bank details and account passwords, and cybercriminals get your money this way (or make purchases at your expense).
- Other viruses manipulate your system – encrypt important files, make embarrassing videos, threaten to damage your reputation, etc. They thus create potential to blackmail you. If you want it to stop, you have to pay; that's the business model. Small spoiler: Once you've paid, the whole thing usually really starts. It's guaranteed not to end with the first payment.
2. Steal your data – and sell it
This point also concerns making money. However, viruses are not used to steal your money, but to steal your data and sell it to third parties. This could include, for example:
- Your online and browsing behavior, which is sold to advertisers
- Your entire online identity, which third parties can exploit in several ways
- Your email or social media accounts, which cybercriminals use to try to get new lucrative victims with you as the sender
3. Use your PC for illegal activities
Most criminals are, of course, after money. And whether rich or poor, everyone who surfs the Internet is equally affected by this. But there are also cybercriminals who pursue "higher goals" with their viruses. And even with this group, you are right in the line of fire.
- Here, viruses are used and your PC is misused. Your computer then becomes, for example, part of a botnet. In such a network, an army of infected computers is united to carry out malicious purposes such as DDoS attacks. This attack could, for example, cripple the web server of a government agency, a hospital, the military, etc., and thus cause great damage on other levels. And your PC is then a part of this attack.
- Or your social media accounts are used to share and spread fake news and conspiracy theories. Do you have expertise in a certain area? Presumably, your friends will believe these lies.
Interim conclusion: Surfing without virus protection and security knowledge can have serious consequences
As shown, there are many reasons why users surf the internet carelessly and without adequate protection, and do not renew expired antivirus software. Most often, it is a mixture of convenience, ignorance, and trust ("nothing will happen"). Sometimes it's also the cost. Good antivirus software at the regular price is certainly not cheap.
But you have also seen what can happen if damage occurs and a virus has infected a system. Whether criminals delete, encrypt, steal your data, or misuse your system: It will certainly cost you a lot of time, money, and above all, nerves to get the effects under control. And often you will irretrievably lose valuable data.
And we have shown you the essential reasons why criminals do what they do with their viruses. Of course, it's about money. But even if you don't have much of it, you are just as much in the line of fire as everyone else. As a rule, these criminal acts involve "small amounts" and mass production generates profit. And quite apart from that: How does the virus that has just encrypted all your holiday pictures and is blackmailing you know that you cannot pay an amount of 100 euros? Quite apart from the fact that you should never pay, even if you could.
So you see: Being a seemingly uninteresting victim for cybercriminals is not enough to avoid potential harm. You too must protect yourself. We will show you what you can do in the next section.
How to protect yourself while surfing – and minimize your risk of damage from viruses, malware, and co.
Of course, a reliable and good antivirus software is paramount when surfing the internet. If the antivirus software has expired, it should be renewed. This is the most important thing of all. But there is even more you can do to be safe from viruses, malware, and co. when surfing the net. Here are our top 5 tips that you should follow in addition to using antivirus software.
1. Regularly update your software
It's important to regularly update all programs on your computer, including the operating system. Don't delay updates. Every update closes security gaps and reduces the risk of infection.
2. Use strong passwords:
Use strong passwords for all your accounts, consisting of a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. This makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to guess your passwords through brute force attacks. And another tip: Use different passwords for each account. Because if one account is hacked, the perpetrators cannot use that data to hack other accounts as well.
I know, in theory, that sounds much simpler than in practice. But there are strong software solutions for this too, such as the password manager from our partner Steganos Software.
3. Be cautious when opening email attachments and clicking on links
Do not open email attachments or links from unknown or suspicious senders, as they may contain viruses and malware. In addition: Avoid downloading files from insecure sources. At the latest, if you are asked to enter access data somewhere via such a link, you should immediately stop at this point and run a virus scan.
4. Supplement your antivirus protection with a firewall and ad blocker
A firewall can help protect your computer from unwanted access and malicious attacks – as an add-on to antivirus software. An ad blocker can help block unwanted pop-up ads and ads from unreliable sources that may contain viruses and malware.
5. Regularly back up your most important data and files
Ideally, you should have this backup on an external hard drive or securely in the cloud. If your PC is then infected with a virus, you will at least know that your data is safe. You can then immediately begin to renew your entire system, without fear of data loss, hoping to prevent other consequences.
Further information
The security and protection of PCs are one of our main concerns. We have therefore examined the topic of protection against viruses, malware, ransomware and co. from various perspectives on our blog. Here is an overview of the most important articles.
Here you will also find valuable information and further assistance:
Helpful Tools: Protection Against Viruses and the "Morning After Pill"
Besides theory, we also offer practice.
The Rescue Tool for Windows When the Virus is Already There – the SecuPerts Rescue Stick
The SecuPerts Rescue Stick is a first-aid tool for your PC. It helps with a wide range of damage, but also when a virus has made it onto your system. That's when you use this stick. It starts an independent, Linux-based operating system and offers you the possibility to access your Windows from outside in a protected manner. Using analysis tools, you can then:
- Start data recovery tools and save all files that the virus has not yet infected
- Scan your PC for viruses, find malware from a protected interface, quarantine it, and possibly delete it completely
If you have the stick at hand in your drawer immediately after an infection, it's not too late, especially for data recovery attempts. Even though the tool is virtually the "morning after" rescue pill – you should have the tool ready beforehand.
Read more about the functions of the SecuPerts Rescue Stick and how it specifically helps with virus infections here: Rescue Stick - Help with all PC and Windows problems. Also helps with virus infections
Antivirus Software
Currently, our software range does not include any antivirus software that we can offer you at a low price. However, many manufacturers, including antivirus software providers, repeatedly offer us their products for sale. We usually receive attractive discounts of up to 50% and more. Simply subscribe to our newsletter, confirm our double opt-in, and we will keep you informed. It's best to sign up right away. If your antivirus software has expired, you already have a good alternative.
