From the large number of online scam cases, whether to steal personal credit card data or install viruses on our computers, one question that always comes up is: What antivirus should I use?

Before answering the question, it must be understoodThe concept of “computer virus” has changed in recent years. What we understood a few decades ago, when the term became popular in conjunction with the explosion in the use of personal computers, is not the same as what we understand today and the word is more associated with questions of uses and customs.

Currently in questionmalware”, I.e., malicious programs. And a better understanding of what they are helps us decide which antivirus to install, especially considering that there are free options or even the one with the window (which for some specialists is more than enough).

Here, an analysis of the major threats that currently exist and what we can do to defend ourselves.

From virus to malware, an infected story

“A computer virus is a malicious program or piece of code that replicates itself and enters a device without the user’s knowledge or consent. Some viruses are just annoying, but most viruses are destructive and designed to infect and take control of your device. A virus can spread through computers and networks by making copies of itself, like a biological virus that passes from one person to another”, He explained to Clarion Luis Corrons, cyber threat expert at Avast.

The origin of viruses is related, paradoxically, to cyber security. “The first computer virus, called‘ system creeping‘, is an experimental self-replicating virus released in 1971 and created by BBN technologies in the United States, as a security test to see if a self-replicating program is possible. East filled a hard drive until the computer no longer works. With each newly infected hard drive, Creeper tried to remove itself from the previous host. Creeper had no malice and only showed a simple message: ‘I AM A CREEPER. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, ‘”he recalled.

However, Corrons warns that although many people use the term ‘virus’ to refer to any type of malicious program, a virus is simply a type of malware (malicious software), which includes any code created to be dangerous. “

“Perhaps the most well-known category of malware corresponds to viruses, as it is the first category of malware (shrinking malicious software), which got its name after its resemblance to biological viruses that can only reproduce within cells of other organisms, such as computer viruses requires a host file to infect a computer”, Explained Miguel Ángel Mendoza, Computer Security Researcher at ESET Latin America, to Clarín.

But he warns: “Currently, only a low percentage of malicious code generated and spread on the Internet correspond to so -called viruses.”

“Over the years, other types of malware have proliferated, which can be classified based on their characteristics, purpose or functionality. For example, computer worms (unlike viruses) do not require a host file and they have the ability to replicate and spread on their own; Trojans pretend to be a harmless or benign application, but actually perform malicious activities without permission and often without the user’s knowledge ”, he continued.

“The rootkit they are another type of malicious program that gives attackers access to a system, while hiding their presence. It is also possible to find other types of malwareAs the spyware, which collects information on user activities and sends it to an attacker; ang botnet are networks of infected computers (known as zombies or bots) that allow a cybercriminal to use them remotely for various purposes, such as spreading more malicious code, using them for Denial of Service attacks (Two for its acronym in English, Denial of Service) or use them to send unwanted emails in bulk (spam), to name a few examples ”, continued Mendoza.

In this way, what is clear is that the definition of “virus” helps us understand that we are under threat, but it is a relatively commercial term that has remained out of habit.

What free antivirus to use?

There are now free options and you don’t have to pay big for an antivirus. This is the most popular They can be installed without paying a penny.

avast

One of the most experienced antivirus on the market. It works on Android, MacOS and Windows. It is one of the most popular in the world in the field of non -payment.

AVG

Others classic which adds some additional functionality and protection against ransomware, one of the most replicated attacks in recent years.

Avira

A program that knows how to win several awards, only covered by a series of paid functions. The basics, however, it is fulfilled.

bitdefender

Another heavy on the free, but no anti-ransomware features.

ZoneAlarm (CheckPoint)

Good protection against most known malware threats, but it doesn’t block certain ones malicious sites and fraudulent websites.

Kaspersky

Russia’s version of historical antivirus is at the center of controversy after the invasion of Ukraine and some countries have begun to warn that there may be a “computer risk” for its use. However, there is no proof and it remains one of the most well -known brands in the world in computer security.

Not installing any “extras” can also be a good idea

Some specialists go for a simpler option: do not use antivirus.

Iván Barrera Oro, a software developer who specializes in computer security, believes that comparing antiviruses is a futile task. “On purpose it is difficult to measure one against the other. It can be judged, if interested, by characteristics vs. price, or according to the company’s reputation. In general, I would not recommend anything”, Sentence.

“Ideal to steer clear malware is the installation of apps from a trusted repository. Unfortunately, unlike Linux, Windows does not have such a feature (although the Microsoft Store is included, it is not ‘curated’). This makes it difficult to keep the system and its applications up to date, and don’t fall for installers with malware. Antiviruses can help with this task, but they are always not enough, “he added.

Your option when it comes to Windows users is simpler: use the one that comes with the operating system: “About the antivirus that comes with Windows 10 and higher, named microsoft protector, usually this is more than enough. Especially if it is considered rather than another free option, ”he said.

The consensus of the specialists is the use of the security tool: “From a cybersecurity perspective, it is always better to have a security tool installed, updated and properly configured. However, there are important differences. between different market options, which are usually decisive factors in choosing a solution or another: level of detection and protection, zero false positives, minimum resource consumption, manufacturer’s reputation and, of course, the cost”, Mendoza closes from ESET.

So, under these standards, the final decision is up to the user.

But only by understanding exactly what we mean when we talk about “viruses” in the 21st century, it is possible to understand what you have been exposed to and, based on it, what online security decision to make.