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Antivirus Programs

You don't need an antivirus

Antivirus programs are often presented as essential security tools, but the reality is more complex. Using third-party antivirus programs is not recommended for several important reasons.

Why you should not use third-party antivirus programs

Antivirus programs have the highest privileges in the system, which makes them potentially dangerous, and their behavior is no different from the behavior of viruses themselves.

  1. Data collection: they collect large amounts of data from your system and network activity.
  2. High access level: they have access to almost every aspect of your system.
  3. Reduced system performance: they often slow down your computer due to constant scanning.
  4. Potential threat: due to their high privileges, they themselves can become a source of threat if compromised.

Built-in security tools

Modern operating systems have built-in antivirus programs that provide sufficient security:

  • Windows: Windows Defender
  • macOS: XProtect and Gatekeeper
  • Android: Google Play Protect
  • iOS: iOS built-in security features

These built-in tools provide adequate protection against most threats and do not require additional configuration or resources.

Additional security of mobile operating systems

Android and iOS operating systems have additional security mechanisms that make them particularly well-protected:

  1. Application isolation (Sandboxing): all applications are isolated from each other and the system, which limits the spread of malware.
  2. Granular permissions: users can control which resources each application has access to (e.g., camera, microphone, location).
  3. Application verification: official stores (Google Play Store and Apple App Store) check applications for the presence of malicious code.

While using antivirus programs on desktop operating systems is unnecessary but could potentially be justified, on mobile operating systems their use is entirely absurd. The security architecture of mobile operating systems is so strict that third-party antivirus programs cannot provide any significant additional protection. On the contrary, they may themselves become a source of security risk.

Best security practices

Instead of relying on third-party antivirus programs, follow these simple recommendations:

  1. Be careful: do not install programs from suspicious sources.
  2. Update your system: always install the latest security updates.
  3. Use strong passwords: set unique and complex passwords using a Password Manager.
  4. Be careful with links: do not open suspicious links or attachments.
  5. Use Multi-factor Authentication: enable MFA on all important accounts.
  6. Use Encrypted DNS.
  7. Use a VPN.
  8. Install FOI Security Policy.

By following these practices and using your operating system's built-in security features, you can significantly improve your digital security without the need for third-party antivirus programs.

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